Deep neck infection following endotracheal intubation]

A 71-year-old woman was transferred to Kushiro City General Hospital because of fever, sore throat, diffuse neck swelling and dyspnea. She had received right mastectomy for breast cancer under general anesthesia 6 days before the admission. The lateral X-ray film of the neck revealed abscess in the retropharyngeal space and the retroesophageal space. CT scan revealed mediastinitis. Next day she received neck dissection for drainage of the abscess under general anesthesia. Although the posterior pharyngeal wall was swollen, endo-tracheal intubation was not difficult. Brown tinged and purplish pus was aspirated from the interspace of carotid sheath and trachea, the retropharyngeal space, and the superior mediastinal space. The infected site was irrigated with a lot of peroxide and saline and draining tubes were placed in each interspace. Tracheostomy was not done but the patient was admitted to the ICU with her trachea intubated. The day after operation, she was extubated. Three days after the operation chest X-ray revealed pyothorax and chest tube was inserted for drainage. Seven days after the operation she was transferred to the ENT ward. Thereafter her recovery course was uneventful. It seems that the deep neck infection was probably caused by the injury on endotracheal intubation at the first operation in this case. Although this patient was cured of mediastinitis following deep neck infection, which is still lethal, early diagnosis and surgical drainage of the abscess are necessary.     

Successful treatment for descending necrotizing mediastinitis: a case report

A 21-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of high fever, neck swelling, and dyspnea. She was diagnosed as descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) extended from odontogenic infection. On the day of admission, she underwent cervical drainage. Next day, the CT scan showed an abscess below the tracheal bifurcation and bilateral pleural effusion. Mediastinal drainage was performed through a right thoracotomy, and a left thoracic tube was inserted. Anaerobic Peptostreptococcus was found with bacteriological culture. After the mediastinal drainage, bilateral thoracic irrigation was performed through the thoracic tubes. Left thoracic tube was removed on the 8th day and right one was removed on the 20th day after the thoracotomy. She was discharged on the 42nd day. DNM is relatively rare, but it is lethal disease with high mortality. Immediate and sufficient mediastinal drainage is indispensable for the disease.     

Image-guided system endoscopic drainage of orbital abscess caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an infant

IntroductionThe management of orbital abscesses in neonates and infants is very challenging. Surgical drainage of the abscess is aimed at removing the pus and preventing blindness. We describe a case of orbital abscess in an infant that was caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and that was successfully drained with image-guided endoscopic surgery.Presentation of caseA 39-day-old infant presented with progressive right maxillary swelling complicated by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus orbital abscess. Tooth bud abscess was the most likely primary cause and a combination of intravenous antibiotics was initially prescribed. The collection of intra-orbital pus was removed using image-guided system-aided endoscopic surgical drainage.DiscussionPrompt diagnosis and management are very crucial. Endoscopic drainage of these abscesses in children has been described. Image-guided drainage of the orbital abscess is a newer technique that has been reported in a teenager and in adult patients. This is the first reported case of endoscopic orbital drainage surgery in an infant. The procedure was performed successfully. This approach provides for better identification of the anatomical structures in a very young patient. Injuries to the medial rectus, globe and optic nerve can be avoided with this technique.ConclusionAggressive management of orbital abscesses in infants is mandatory. Image-guided endoscopic orbital drainage offers precise visualization and a safer technique in a relatively smaller orbit.     

De Garengeot hernia with perforated appendicitis and a groin subcutaneous abscess: A case report

IntroductionDe Garengeot hernia is rare. Although previous reports have suggested various surgical options according to patient condition, comorbidities, surgeon preference, and clinical findings during surgery, a treatment strategy has not been established.Presentation of caseAn 81-year-old woman presented with an irreducible tender mass that was subsequently diagnosed as an incarcerated femoral hernia with a subcutaneous abscess in the right groin. Intraoperative findings revealed a necrotic and perforated appendix strangulated by the femoral ring for which an appendectomy and herniorrhaphy was performed concurrently through the hernia sac. The subcutaneous abscess cavity was washed thoroughly and a drainage tube was placed within it. The patient recovered uneventfully.DiscussionWe suggest that the approach through the inguinal incision in both appendectomy and herniorrhaphy with drainage may be useful in avoiding intra-abdominal contamination in cases of de Garengeot hernia with subcutaneous abscess.ConclusionHere, we described a case of de Garengeot hernia with a subcutaneous abscess in the groin. Clinicians should consider de Garengeot hernia in patients with a groin hernia, make an early diagnosis, and promptly provide surgical treatment to reduce the risk of complications.     

Necrotising fasciitis of the posterior neck crossing the midline: A case report

Introduction and importanceCraniofacial necrotising fasciitis is a complex condition, with high mortality given its propensity to descend via the deep neck spaces into the chest and mediastinum. Management requires optimal antimicrobial therapy with associated aggressive surgical debridement.Presentation of caseA 64-year-old man presented to ENT with a posterior neck swelling. Despite incision and drainage of the swelling following a trial of antimicrobial therapy, it increased in size, with areas of overlying necrosis demonstrated. Based on radiological and clinical findings, a diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis was made. He was taken to theatre for debridement. Intra-operatively, carotid sheath suppuration was noted, after tissue retraction resulted in copious bleeding from the anterior wound bed, requiring vigorous resuscitation and clamping of underlying structures to achieve haemostasis. Senior ENT and vascular surgery involvement was quickly sought to achieve haemostasis, however bleeding from the wound bed was difficult to control. This was due to the significant watershed area at the posterior neck which would not have been amenable to selective vessel ligation. After multiple cardiac arrests, a team decision was taken to discontinue resuscitation.Clinical discussionOperating in this area of anatomical complexity required input from a number of different specialty teams. Although input from infectious diseases, microbiology, plastic surgery and tissue viability was commendable, there was room for optimising this further. Early patient referral to a tertiary centre where on-site input was available from maxillofacial surgery and plastic surgery would have been beneficial; a set-up commonly seen in regional trauma networks.ConclusionThis case demonstrates the intricacies surrounding a rare occurrence of necrotising fasciitis of the neck crossing the midline. Multi-disciplinary team involvement is imperative and should be encouraged at an early stage.     

Two cases of descending necrotizing mediastinitis

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is relatively rare inflammatory lesion with high mortality unless an appropriate surgical treatment is undertaken. Recently we successfully treated two surgical cases of DNM. In both cases, the disease started with pharyngeal abscess, and the mediastinal swelling followed. The surgery consisted with neck drainage and the mediastinal drainage through thoracotomy at the same time. A continuous mediastinal irrigation was performed postoperatively, and both patients recovered well. Immediate drainage of the primary lesion and the mediastinum is important once the diagnosis of DNM is established.     

Secondary pleuropulmonary amoebiasis due to liver abscess rupture: A complication case report in low resource setting

BackgroundPleuropulmonary amoebiasis caused by complications of amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is rare.Case presentationA 23 years old male, presented with shortness of breath, cough with yellowish phlegm, right chest pain, fever, bulging stomach, yellow eyes, and swelling of both legs. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan thorax and abdomen revealed right fluidopneumothorax and liver abscess. Serological testing leads to Entamoeba histolytica infection, which was treated with metronidazole but no significant improvement on empyema and abscess liver size. Surgery was performed after percutaneous aspiration drainage failed to evacuate the abscess. HE and PAS staining from surgical tissue showed Entamoeba hystolitica infection.DiscussionSerological testing and radiological examination will be more useful in the early detection of cases of Entamoeba hystolitica infection. Surgery may be considered when purulent drainage does not show improvement in the patient's condition.ConclusionALA complication that causes pulmonary empyema can be surgically treated if the pus cannot be drained.     

Lemierre’s syndrome or re-emerging disease: Case report and literature review

IntroductionLemierre's syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal entity characterized by the spread of an oropharyngeal infection, with secondary suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic emboli.Presentation of caseWe discuss the case of a 52-year-old male who developed Lemierre’s syndrome following peritonsillar abscess. He presented with submandibular and submental swelling extending into the neck. His management included; incision and drainage of the abscesses; and prolonged anticoagulant therapy.ConclusionThe incidence of Lemierre's disease appears to be increasing, perhaps due to ignorance of the disease by many clinicians, and diagnosis is often delayed with potentially fatal consequences.     

Midline extraperitoneal approach for bilateral widespread retroperitoneal abscess originating from anorectal infection

IntroductionAnorectal abscess is one of the most common anorectal conditions encountered in practice. However, such abscesses may rarely extend upward and cause life-threatening medical conditions.Presentation of caseA 53-year-old woman presented with symptoms of anorectal abscess and evidence of severe inflammatory response and acute kidney injury. Computed tomography revealed a widespread abscess extending to the bilateral retroperitoneal spaces. Surgical drainage was performed via a totally extraperitoneal approach through a lower midline abdominal incision, and the patient had a rapid and uncomplicated recovery.DiscussionAlthough retroperitoneal abscesses originating from the anorectal region are rare, they are life-threating events that require immediate treatment. Percutaneous abscess drainage has been recently evolved; however, surgical drainage is required sometimes that may be challenging, particularly in the case of widespread abscesses, as in our case.ConclusionThe midline extraperitoneal approach reported here might be an effective surgical option for patients with bilateral widespread retroperitoneal abscesses.     

Delayed presentation of deep penetrating trauma to the subaxial cervical spine

Purpose

To present a rare case of deep penetrating neck trauma in which a retained foreign body in the cervical spine (a broken knife blade) resulted in delayed radicular injury. We describe the surgical management using a retrojugular approach.

Case report

Our patient sustained a stab wound to the supraclavicular triangle from a small pocketknife. He was initially managed in a local hospital by simple primary wound closure without any radiological examinations, and was discharged home. The patient re-consulted in a delayed fashion with mild local persistent neck pain. Subsequent radiological investigations revealed a foreign body (the broken blade of a pocket knife) embedded in the left neural foramen between the C6 and C7 vertebrae penetrating the disc space. The blade was lying between the left C7 nerve root and the ipsilateral vertebral artery (VA) at the transition of V1 and V2 segments. Initial neurological evaluation was normal. Some days later, the patient developed a delayed left C7 radicular deficit. We undertook urgent exploration along the wound corridor through a retrojugular, transforaminal approach with successful removal of the blade.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is a unique case where a retained foreign body penetrated the soft tissues of the neck, embedding deep in the vertebral column without vascular, aerodigestive or significant primary neurological injury, while causing delayed neck pain and delayed onset radicular injury. We describe our surgical management for removal of the retained blade. The retrojugular approach gives excellent access to all of the important anatomical structures of the neck from an anterolateral approach.

     

Benefits of conservative management of a retained appendicolith after laparoscopic appendectomy: A case series

IntroductionAcute appendicitis is a disease with multifactorial etiology and frequently includes lumen obstruction. Appendicoliths can pose a challenge during the appendectomy procedure if not identified.MethodsThis is a prospective case series at our academic institution involving two medically free patients with intra-abdominal abscess formation secondary to an overlooked appendicolith who were treated conservatively with a follow up period of one year for each patient.ResultsComplications of a retained appendicolith are serious and include intra-abdominal abscess, perihepatic abscess, and delayed wound healing through fistula formation, most surgeons would undergo surgical removal with preoperative localization of the appendicolith using different modalities. In contrast, conservative management is an emerging approach to managing such conditions. The conservative approach involves percutaneous retrieval and the IR-guided draining of an intra-abdominal collection. In our cases, percutaneous drainage and intravenous antibiotics were a successful treatment, with no abscess recurrence in over a year.ConclusionWe suggest that patients with appendicoliths presenting with appendicitis should undergo appendicolith removal to prevent the risk of recurrent abscess formation. We also consider that the conservative management of patients with appendicoliths presenting with recurrent abdominal pain and abscesses after appendectomy is a better and safer approach than the surgical removal of a dropped appendicolith, as the risks of the surgical procedure complications can be avoided.     

Computed tomography in the evaluation of pediatric neck infections

In children, infections involving both the superficial and deep neck spaces are common. Children so affected typically present with fever, neck mass, neck stiffness, and, occasionally, airway compromise. Radiologic modalities used in the evaluation of neck infections include plain lateral neck radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. All these modalities have proved useful in the treatment of such infections, specifically the decision to perform incision and drainage. The charts of 66 patients—33 with superficial and 33 with deep neck infections—were analyzed with respect to symptoms, signs, computed tomography findings, and need for surgical intervention. Computed tomography was not particularly helpful in superficial neck infections with regard to the decision to perform surgical drainage; however, it did localize and demonstrate the extent of infection. In deep neck infections we found a 92% correlation between computed tomographic evidence of an abscess and surgical confirmation of one. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography remains an excellent tool in the treatment of neck infections in children. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:624-7.)     

组配型横突拉钩的研制与临床应用

目的研制组配型横突拉钩并探讨其临床应用效果。方法通过腰椎骨骼标本和腰部软组织的观察、测量,设计制作了以腰椎横突为固定支点的组配型拉钩,将其应用于单侧椎弓根螺钉联合对侧经皮椎板关节突螺钉固定并椎间融合植骨的手术方式,并与传统椎板拉钩的使用进行比较。对比2组病例手术时间、术中出血量、术后切口引流液量、切口长度、术后72 h腰部切口疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)评分。采用日本骨科学会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)下腰痛评分法对临床效果进行评价和对比。结果在手术时间、术中出血量和切口长度方面,组配型横突拉钩组优于椎板拉钩组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);而在术后切口引流液量、术后72 h腰部切口疼痛VAS评分及最后随访JOA评分方面2组相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论与传统椎板拉钩相比,组配型横突拉钩具有容积小、组装方便、把持性好、固定确切、视野大、对手术操作干扰小以及适合人群和手术方式广泛等优点,可作为腰椎后路内固定手术的显露工具。     

Role of acute negative pressure wound therapy over primarily closed surgical incisions in acetabular fracture ORIF: A prospective randomized trial

BackgroundNegative pressure wound therapy use over closed surgical incisions (iNPWT) has proven to be effective at reducing hematoma, wound drainage and infection in high-risk wounds. The purpose of this study was to determine if iNPWT decreased the risk of infection in patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for acetabular fractures.Methods71 patients who underwent operative intervention for an acetabular fracture between March 2008 and September 2012 consented and prospectively randomized to iNPWT or a standard postoperative (dry gauze) dressing. The primary endpoint was deep infection, i.e. necessitating surgical debridement. Patients were followed until fracture union.Results33 patients were randomized to treatment with a standard gauze dressing and 33 patients were randomized to the iNPWT cohort. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to patient demographics, clinical, or surgery characteristics. Overall, seven patients (10.6%) were diagnosed with infections; two patients (6.1%) in the placebo group and 5 (15.2%) in the treatment group.ConclusionsIn this randomized prospective trial, iNPWT did not decrease the incidence of deep infections when compared to gauze dressings in patients with acetabular fractures. Although not statistically significant, patients in the iNPWT cohort were 2.77 times more likely to develop a deep infection.     

Usefulness and safety of open tracheostomy by a paramedian approach for cervical infection: esophageal and tracheal injury and necrotizing fascitis

Tracheostomy is hardly performed in patients with cervical infection close to the site of the tracheostomy. This study aimed to present and clarify the usefulness and safety of open tracheostomy performed by the paramedian approach technique. The procedure is as follows. A 2.5-cm paramedian incision is made for the tracheostomy on the opposite side of infectious focus; the anterior neck muscles are dissected and split; the trachea is fenestrated by a reverse U-shaped incision; and the fenestral flap of the trachea is fixed to the skin. We used this technique in five patients. There were no complications such as bleeding, desaturation, and displacement of the tube; and there were no postoperative complications such as severe contamination or infection of the tracheostomy site from the nearby cervical wound, difficulty in securing the tracheostomy tube and connecting device to the ventilator, difficulties in daily management and care, or dislocation of the tracheostomy tube. All wounds resulting from the tracheostomy were kept separate from and not contaminated by the nearby dirty wounds. Open tracheostomy by the paramedian approach technique is useful and safe for patients with severe cervical infection requiring open drainage and long ventilatory management.     

Retropharyngeal abscess in children

Background: Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is an uncommon, potentially fatal condition found more frequently in children than adults. Prompt diagnosis and surgical management of this condition is imperative to prevent complications including airway obstruction and mediastinitis. Few studies have been dedicated to paediatric retropharyngeal abscess. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 21 cases of retropharyngeal abscess at the Sydney Children's Hospital over a 12‐year period was performed. Results: There were 12 boys and nine girls involved in the analysis. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 12 years. Common ­presenting symptoms and signs included fever, dysphagia, neck swelling and torticollis. Respiratory compromise was present in 29% of the children at presentation. Foreign body ingestion accounted for 10% of cases. Seventeen cases were managed with surgical drainage. Surgical approaches adopted included transoral (70%), external cervical approach (20%) and a combined approach in 10%. There was no mortality. Mediastinitis occurred in two patients, one of whom also had recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. No other serious complications occurred. Conclusion: Retropharyngeal abscess should be considered in all children presenting with neck pain and dysphagia. Prompt diagnosis and institution of appropriate medical and surgical therapy is imperative to prevent complications such as airway obstruction. The management of this condition should occur in a paediatric institution with appropriate medical, surgical and intensive care ­facilities.     

腰椎间盘术后切口早期脂肪液化或感染的诊治

目的：探讨腰椎间盘髓核摘除术后切口早期脂肪液化或感染的原因、诊断要点及处理方法。方法：自2007年7月至2012年5月,对腰椎间盘髓核摘除术后切口早期脂肪液化或感染的11例患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。其中男5例,女6例;平均年龄43．1岁,术后切口脂肪液化或感染发病时间平均为术后第5．5天。主要临床表现包括伤口局部疼痛、体温升高、伤口有淡红色或者淡黄色渗液及血炎症生化指标升高等,疗效评估则以伤口是否Ⅰ期愈合为主要标准。结果：11例患者均获得随访,随访时间平均为1年9个月,10例伤口Ⅰ期愈合,无复发,也无术后并发症出现,1例金黄色葡萄球菌感染患者伤口愈合后2个月,伤口远端局部红肿、隆起,有波动感,穿刺细菌培养为金黄色葡萄球茵,门诊局部切开找到1个线头,换药1周后伤口愈合,随访13个月无复发。结论：术前对高危因素预防,术中无创操作技术,对于放置内置物的腰椎手术,合理应用抗生素预防感染,术后伤口正确处理,可预防和减少腰椎间盘手术切口脂肪液化或感染的发生率。对切口脂肪液化或感染早期诊断,早期行伤口清创、病灶清除、VSD负压冲洗引流、对伤口分泌物细菌培养结果为阳性者,根据药敏结果选择敏感抗生素治疗,有利于伤口早期愈合,减少手术并发症的发生。     

A hybrid approach to appendicitis with right external iliac artery pseudo aneurysm: A case report

IntroductionWhile acute appendicitis is a common surgical problem, the simultaneous occurrence of appendicitis and an infected iliac artery pseudoaneurysm is exceedingly rare. We report the successful treatment of an infected right external iliac artery pseudo aneurysm in the 1setting of acute appendicitis.Presentation of caseThe patient is an 83-year-old male who presents with severe sepsis, right lower quadrant and right leg pain. Additional past medical history is significant for rectal cancer status post resection and radiation therapy in 1997. Computed tomography (CT) on admission revealed a right iliopsoas muscle abscess, an inflamed Appendix and a pseudo aneurysm arising from the right external iliac artery. After consultations by multiple specialties, the plan was to proceed with percutaneous drainage of the abscess, antibiotic therapy and subsequent repair of the pseudoaneurysm. CT guided drainage of the iliopsoas abscess was performed with return of hemorrhagic fluid. Due to the concern of contained pseudoaneurysm rupture, the patient was taken for expedited repair. Due to the patient’s frailty and hostile abdomen, we performed embolization of the right external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm with Amplatzer I plugs (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul MN) and left common femoral to right superficial femoral bypass with cryopreserved cadaveric femoral vein. Following pseudoaneurysm exclusion, continued percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy, the patient has done well with no further evidence of infection.ConclusionRepair of infected pseudo aneurysms can prove challenging. Ongoing infection, a hostile surgical abdomen and patient frailty further complicates the treatment of these patients. This case displays a minimally invasive approach to this rare but morbid condition.     

腰椎管狭窄症椎体间植骨融合术后急性切口深部感染的处理

目的:探讨下腰椎后路椎管减压、椎体间植骨融合(PLIF)术后急性切口深部感染的治疗方法与临床效果。方法:回顾性分析2005年12月至2010年12月收治的10例下腰椎PLIF术后急性切口深部感染治疗资料,其中男4例,女6例;年龄34～70岁,平均52.8岁。所有患者采用病灶清除、冲洗引流加抗生素应用治疗,比较手术前后VAS,ESR,CRP及下腰痛JOA评分变化,评估临床效果。结果:所有患者获随访,时间19～28个月,平均24个月。1例椎间隙感染者取出椎体间融合器,保留内固定螺钉,1例清创术后感染进行性加重,出现中枢感染猝死,其余8例术后恢复良好,下腰痛VAS评分由术前8.0±0.4下降至术后2.8±0.3;JOA评分由术前10.30±3.02改善至术后24.10±2.85。ESR由术前(85.0±17.0)mm/h下降至术后(14.0±6.0)mm/h;CRP由术前(73.5±14.3)mg/L下降至术后(5.1±1.1)mg/L;WBC由术前(11.1±1.8)×109/L下降至(7.4±0.5)×109/L。结论:腰椎管狭窄症PLIF术后切口深部感染早期行伤口切开、清创、病灶清除冲洗引流,保留内固定物,敏感抗生素应用可取得良好临床效果。术前对高危因素的预防处理尤为重要,对于确诊的腰椎后路深部感染患者,保守治疗无效,需早期手术治疗。     

Surgical management of splenic abscess complicated by pleural effusion in rural setting: A case report from rural Indonesia

Introduction and importanceSplenic abscess is a potentially life-threatening disease. Antibiotics along with surgery are the gold standard therapy. We present a case of splenic-salvaged surgical management of a large splenic abscess in a rural setting, complying with the available resources.Case presentationA 35-year old female presented to the ER with a history of left hypochondrium pain and fever for seven days. Abdominal tenderness at the left hypochondrium with an enlarged spleen was found. Laboratory tests showed severe anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis. Chest X-ray suggested pulmonary tuberculosis with minimal left pleural effusion. Ultrasound revealed a large unifocal splenic abscess. Antibiotics were administered. Simplified percutaneous drainage was performed, followed by open surgery abscess drainage. The patient showed a smooth recovery.Clinical discussionPulmonary tuberculosis finding in a patient with splenic abscess suggested the potential etiology which itself is a rare finding. Spleen preservation surgery along with antibiotics is preferable to retain immunologic functions. In the rural setting, like Indonesia, where a pig-tail catheter set is not available, a simplified abscess drainage procedure is feasible. In patients with poor conditions, laparotomy and splenectomy approaches would lead to higher mortality and morbidity rates. Chest tube insertion may not be necessary for minimal pleural effusion in a splenic abscess as it may resolve naturally along with the abscess recovery.ConclusionLarge splenic abscess can be managed by abscess drainage if the lesion is unifocal, in a view of the spleen being salvageable in patients with poor general conditions.