[Treatment of acute purulent mediastinitis]

Results of treatment of 37 patients with advanced purulent mediastinitis are presented. The cause of mediastinitis in 27 patients was perforation of the esophagus, in 10--purulent diseases of head and neck. Lethal outcome was in 9 (24.3%) cases. Sepsis and progression of mediastinitis were the main causes of lethal outcomes.