US-guided drainage of deep neck abscesses: 84% success, failure predicted by serious associated events.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage was successful in 84% of deep neck space abscesses. Serious associated events (mediastinitis, sepsis, airway compromise, thrombosis) independently predicted failure (OR 5.7).

• No major procedure-related complications occurred among the 116 technically successful procedures.
• Among the 18 patients (16%) with drainage failure, three died and 15 required open surgical drainage.
• Multiple septations and leukocyte count were significant only on univariate analysis, not independently predictive.

Automated summary

RadPigeon summaries are original and for information only. They are not clinical advice.