OBJECTIVEThis study observed the curative effect of sustained negative pressure drainage application on treatment of severe maxillofacial and neck space infection.

METHODSIncision and drainage were performed to treat 18 patients with severe maxillofacial and neck space infection. A small incision was made on the site of the most obvious swelling or fluctuations, and localized negative pressure was applied with a drainage device on the wound during suturing.

RESULTSAmong the 18 patients, 14 were healed, whereas 4 underwent dehiscence of the wound after the operation. Negative pressure was lost as the drainage tubes were removed, and non-negative pressure drainage method was used instead. During the negative pressure treatment, swelling and pain did not increase after the operation. Other complications, such as asphyxia, septic shock, or mediastinal abscess, did not occur. All the patients were healed and eventually discharged from the hospital.

CONCLUSIONSustained negative pressure drainage, which is a modified version of the traditional method of incision and drainage, is an alternative treatment for severe maxillofacial and neck space infection. Such treatment reduces patient pain and eases doctor exertion. Thus, this method provides a new therapeutic strategy for severe maxillofacial and neck space infection.