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[Deep neck infection following endotracheal intubation]
O Satoh1, M Miyabe, T Tsukamoto
1Department of Anesthesia, Kushiro City General Hospital.
Masui. the Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology
|December 1, 1992
Summary
A deep neck infection and mediastinitis developed in a patient post-mastectomy, likely due to endotracheal intubation injury. Prompt surgical drainage and intensive care led to recovery, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A 71-year-old woman presented with symptoms of deep neck infection and mediastinitis following a mastectomy.
- The patient had undergone a right mastectomy for breast cancer under general anesthesia six days prior to admission.
Observation:
- Initial assessment revealed a retropharyngeal and retroesophageal abscess, with CT scans confirming mediastinitis.
- Pus was aspirated from the carotid sheath, retropharyngeal space, and mediastinum during neck dissection.
- The patient required intubation for surgery but was successfully extubated the following day.
Findings:
- Surgical drainage of the abscess and irrigation of infected sites were performed.
- The patient developed pyothorax post-operatively, requiring chest tube insertion.
- Despite the severity of the infection, the patient recovered uneventfully after treatment.
Implications:
- Deep neck infections with mediastinitis can be life-threatening complications.
- Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical management, including abscess drainage, are crucial for patient survival.
- Endotracheal intubation may pose a risk for iatrogenic injury leading to deep neck infections.