• K M Yeow, C T Liao, and S P Hao.
• Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, No: 5, Fu Shing Street, Kwei Shan, Tao Yuan 333, Taiwan, ROC. kmyeow@adm.cgmh.com.tw
• J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2001 May 1; 12 (5): 589-94.

PurposeTo prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided needle aspiration and catheter drainage as an alternative to open surgical drainage of uniloculated neck abscesses.Materials And MethodsFifteen consecutive patients (11 female, four male; age range from 18 days to 78 years, mean 42.5 y +/- 22.4) diagnosed with deep neck infections associated with uniloculated neck abscesses were treated. The patients were originally scheduled for surgical incision and drainage after a period of unsuccessful treatment with antibiotics. US-guided needle aspiration (in 10 patients) and US-guided catheter drainage (in five patients) were performed under local anesthesia. Open surgical drainage was performed when US-guided drainage procedures failed.ResultsSurgical open drainage was avoided in 13 of the 15 patients (87%). An average of 6 mL of pus was obtained in patients in the needle aspiration group and 140 mL of pus was drained by catheter. One patient had a recurrent pyogenic lymphadenitis at the same location and was treated successfully by repeated needle aspiration. No complications occurred in this study.ConclusionIn a selected group of patients without imminent airway obstruction, most uniloculated neck abscesses may be managed initially by US-guided needle aspiration and catheter drainage before resorting to open surgical drainage.

24 keywords...

hide…