Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment and efficacy of deep cervical space infection, summarize the clinical treatment experience, and improve the level of disease awareness.MethodsIt was retrospectively analyzed that the clinical data of 41 patients with deep cervical space infection were treated in the department of Otolaryngology-Head and neck Surgery, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from July 2017 to November 2020.There were 41 patients, including 28 males and 13 females, with age from 8 to 85 years old. and the average age was 50 years old. The causes were clear in 16 patients (39.0%), and the most common causes were congenital branchial cleft cyst and odontogenic infection. The most common clinical symptoms are neck pain, sore throat and fever. Ten cases with space infection were 24.4 %(10/41). Thirty-one patients had multiple interstitial infections. The most frequently infections were involved interstitial space being parapharyngeal space.ResultsThirty-three patients received incision and drainage for neck abscess. Four patients of them underwent simultaneous tracheotomy. Three patients received puncture and drainage for neck abscess guided by B-ultrasound. Five patients were treated conservatively. The pus culture of 24 patients was positive, among which 4 patients were infected with a variety of mixed microorganisms, the most common of which was Streptococcus. Sensitive antibiotics were selected for treatment according to the result of pus culture identification and drug sensitivity during the course of disease. Postoperative complications occurred in 15 patients. The complications of these patients could be alleviated by active treatment. All the 41 patients obtained satisfactory curative effect after the above treatment, and no recurrence of infection during follow-up.ConclusionDeep-neck space infection is still a critical and severe disease in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. If treated correctly and promptly, the prognosis is good. Otherwise, it can lead to serious complications and threaten life.Cervical abscess incision and drainage is still an important treatment.