Infection of oropharyngeal or upper airway origin may extend to potent
ial spaces formed by fascial planes of the cervical area. These space
infections have been greatly reduced by modern antibiotic therapy. How
ever, serious complications continue to occur. An 18-year-old man who
presented with neck mass was admitted and treated. He underwent ultras
onically guided drainage procedure using Percuflex(R) drainage cathete
r within 6 h of his arrival. He was discharged from the hospital 10 da
ys later. Although it is still thought that early open surgical draina
ge is the most appropriate method for treatment of deep cervical absce
ss, early treatment with a drainage catheter such as Percuflex(R) may
replace surgery. Life threatening complications can thus be avoided wi
th good cosmetic results and rapid recovery.