Intraoperative ultrasound imaging to aid abscess drainage--a technical note

Diagnostic ultrasound is used widely to identify the presence of fluid collections preoperatively. Although its role in other parts of the body is well established, this report describes the technique of using diagnostic ultrasound intraoperatively to aid drainage of a large fascial space abscess in the head and neck. Following previously inadequate drainage of a large superficial abscess from a blindly placed drain, a second procedure was carried out, using ultrasound imaging to locate the persisting abscess. Furthermore, ultrasound demonstrated the adequacy of drainage and helped the surgeon to position the drain in the correct tissue space. We consider that intraoperative use of ultrasound has a role as a guidance tool to drain superficial fascial space abscesses in the head and neck region.