Use of cervicothoracic anatomy as a guide for directed drainage of descending necrotizing mediastinitis

Ann Thorac Surg. 2012 Apr;93(4):1293-4. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.08.081.

Abstract

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a potentially lethal infection originating from the oropharynx. Adequate abscess drainage is crucial to successful treatment. We present novel management of descending necrotizing mediastinitis using a series of anterior mediastinal incisions adjoined by Penrose drains. The success of this treatment was dependent on radiographic documentation of infection confined to the anterior cervicothoracic plane.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications*
  • Abscess / surgery
  • Adult
  • Drainage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinitis / etiology
  • Mediastinitis / surgery*
  • Mediastinum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mediastinum / surgery*
  • Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck / surgery
  • Necrosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tooth Diseases / complications*
  • Tooth Diseases / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome