Deep Neck Space Infection a Study of 150 Cases at Tertiary Care Hospital

Deep neck space infection (DNSI) is the infection of the potential space in the Neck; in this study our aim is to identify various aetiological causes, common site, bacteriology, and complications arising from it. DNSI is traditionally managed by prompt surgical drainage of the abscess followed by culture specific antibiotics. It is a prospective cross sectional type of study done conducted on 150 patients suffering from DNSI, it was conducted from March 2019 to March 2020 (1 year duration) at Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, A.B.V Govt Medical College, Vidisha, MP, India. In our study, the majority of patients were in the 31-40 year age group. 53.33% were male 44.66% were female. Pain in the swelling was the most common symptom identified in 46.66% patients. Odontogenic infection 42.66% was the most common etiological factor, Ludwig angina 24.66% was the common site of presentation. Streptococcus species was found on pus culture 31.33%. Surgical intervention incision & drainage was carried out in 38% patients and emergency tracheostomy was required in 12% cases. DNSI is a potential life threatening condition; patients should be treated with Incision and drainage along with intravenous antibiotics which is subsequently updated to culture & sensitivity report. Due to poor oral hygiene, chronic irritation by caries tooth, chewing beetle nut and tobacco, odontogenic cause has became major etiological factor for DNSI. Regular dental checkups, general awareness about oral hygiene are a must to prevent dental infections as odontogenic is leading cause of DNSI in our study.