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Published on: January 17, 2011
Improvised Vacuum-Assisted Closure for severe neck infection in poorly equipped conditions
S Adam1, H D Sama2, C Chossegros3
1Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Maxillo-faciale, CHU Sylvanus Olympio, 08 BP 8146 Lomé, Togo; Service d'Odontostomatologie et de Chirurgie Maxillo-faciale, CHU Sylvanus Olympio, Lomé, Togo.
Introduction:
Dental infections are common and are mainly due to dental caries. When left untreated, these infections can lead to severe life-threatening sepsis.
Case Report:
The authors reported a case of a severe odontogenic deep neck space infection in a 54-year-old male. The patient was a heavy smoker with incidentally discovered diabetes. He was successfully treated by surgical drainage combined with an improvised Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) system. The results of surgical drainage followed by insertion of an improvised VAC system were spectacular. The abscess resolved in response to dual-agent antibiotic therapy on day 17 and blood glucose control was achieved with insulin. Full-thickness skin graft was performed to repair the necrotic zone of the neck.
Discussion:
The use of VAC can be a valuable alternative to conventional dressings and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in poorly equipped conditions. Public awareness campaigns remain the most effective form of prevention against these odontogenic infections.
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