Retropharyngeal abscess management in children: Current practices

Retropharyngeal abscesses (RAs) in children are uncommon in the modern anti biotic era. As a result, there are few large series outlining the managemen t of these infections in contemporary literature. The goal of this study is to determine the current standard of care for RA. The membership of the Am erican Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology was surveyed, and the response r ate was 77.5%. Seventy-two percent of practitioners reported that CT is the ir preferred diagnostic method. Nearly two thirds recommended a trial of in travenous antibiotics at least occasionally for suspected RA before operati ve drainage was considered; 51% of respondents indicated that 20% to 40% of RA may resolve with antibiotics alone. Intraoral incision and drainage is the surgical technique preferred by 83% of respondents. Tracheotomy and sho rt-term intubation (24 to 72 hours) are rarely required. This study defines current management practices for RA in children among pediatric otolaryngo logists. Results are compared with those in the existing literature.