Introduction: The complexity and the deep location of this region make diagnosis and treatment of infections in this area difficult. These infections remain an important health problem with significant risks of morbidity and mortality.

Objective: To review the clinical findings, causative organisms and treatment in deep neck space infections.

Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out 2014 to 2016 at department of E.N.T in IPGME&R and SSKM medical college and hospital. Total of 40 patients were selected for the study.

Results: In our study most of the patients (adults) are aged between 31 to 50 years and children aged between 2 to 7 years. In our study most of the deep neck space infections are due to pharyngotonsillar origin followed by odontogenic, traumatic and unknown origin.  In our study swelling is the most common sign followed by dental caries, trismus and neck rigidity. In our study most of the patients treated with  external incision  and  drainage followed  by  intra oral incision and drainage,  some patients  treated  conservatively  or medical treatment only. In our study staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, anaerobes are commonly involved.  In our study all patients were followed up and   no patient had recurrence.

Conclusion: Deep neck space infection remains a common disease for otorhinolaryngologists, and should be treated on emergency basis. In developing countries, lack of adequate nutrition, poor oral hygiene, tobacco chewing, smoking and beetle nut chewing has led to an increased prevalence of dental and periodontal diseases. In present study, pharyngotonsillar infections were the most common etiological factor followed by odontogenic causes for deep neck space infections.

Keywords:  Deep Neck Space Infection, Microbiology, Neck spaces, Treatment.

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Dr Bahnisikha Kayet

Senior Resident, IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata-20, India