MANAGEMENT OF PAEDIATRIC RETROPHARYNGEAL INFECTIONS: NON-SURGICAL VERSUS SURGICAL

  1. Mark J. Courtney†,*,
  2. Murali Mahadevan‡,
  3. Alex Miteff§

Article first published online: 10 OCT 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04295.x

Issue

ANZ Journal of Surgery

ANZ Journal of Surgery

Volume 77, Issue 11, pages 985–987, November 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Courtney, M. J., Mahadevan, M. and Miteff, A. (2007), MANAGEMENT OF PAEDIATRIC RETROPHARYNGEAL INFECTIONS: NON-SURGICAL VERSUS SURGICAL. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 77: 985–987. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04295.x

Author Information

  1. * Gold Coast Hospital, ENT Department, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; and † Starship Hospital, ENT Department, and ‡ Auckland University, Medical School, Auckland, New Zealand

    M. J. Courtney FRACSM. Mahadevan FRACSA. Miteff MB ChB

*Dr Mark Courtney, ENT Department, Gold Coast Hospital, 108 Nerang Street, Southport, Qld 4215, Australia.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 10 OCT 2007
  2. Article first published online: 10 OCT 2007
  3. Accepted for publication 06 April 2007.

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Keywords:

  • abscess;
  • cellulitis;
  • infection;
  • parapharyngeal;
  • retropharyngeal

Background:  Paediatric retropharyngeal infections are a serious infection associated with morbidity. The relative role of medical versus surgical treatment for these infections is debated. The aims of this study were to analyse the management of retropharyngeal infections with respect to radiological assessment and treatment.

Methods:  Medical records from January 1999 to June 2005 were reviewed and analysed.

Results:  Twenty-four children with retropharyngeal infections were included in the study. Computed tomography had a 75% accuracy of correctly identifying an abscess and 36% of the retropharyngeal abscesses resolved with medical treatment alone, with no difference in duration of hospital stay or morbidity.

Conclusion:  Medical treatment of retropharyngeal abscesses has been successful in selected cases. We can recommend this as a viable alternative to surgery and would suggest a 48-h inpatient i.v. antibiotic trial in selected children before considering surgery.

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