Drainage in the Necks of Babies

Neck abscesses on a baby may form as a result of a viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold, sinus infection or ear infection, according to PubMed Health. As pus collects in the tissues between the neck's structures, the abscesses grow larger, and, depending on where they form, may press up against the tongue and throat; they may also push against the windpipe. Treatment for a neck abscess is drainage and/or antibiotics. A neck drainage is a relatively simple procedure with a short recovery time. Complications are rare, and most babies make a full recovery after receiving neck drainage.

Indication and Symptoms

• Neck drainage is indicated in cases of infectious neck abscesses in babies. In most cases, neck abscesses are identified by a doctor through physical examination; they may also be diagnosed through a throat culture, blood test, biopsy or X-ray, according to Children's Memorial Hospital. Symptoms of a neck abscess may include fever; red, swollen throat, with the swelling sometimes on just one side; tongue pushed back against the throat; pain or stiffness in the neck; earache; and body aches. Neck abscesses can appear anywhere on the neck and are identified by their location. A retropharyngeal abscess, for example, is an abscess in the back of the throat.

Procedure

• The drainage procedure is referred to as an I&D, or Incision and Drainage. Babies are put under general anesthesia.The doctor cleans the abscess and the area surrounding it with an antimicrobial solution and injects a local anesthetic into the area to numb it. Once the area is numb, the doctor cuts open the abscess with a sterile blade and lets the pus drain out, often taking a swab of the pus to find out what kind of pus caused the abscess. Usually, the doctor leaves a drain in the neck so that remaining pus can continue to drain.

Adverse Effects and Complications

• The most common adverse effects resulting from a neck drainage is bleeding at the incision site and scarring. Sometimes the area doesn't drain well and a second drainage is required. Complications can be severe and include damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Rarely, drainage can cause the localized infection to spread throughout the body, causing sepsis. Sepsis can be fatal and usually requires a lengthy stay in the intensive care unit.

Recovery and Prognosis

• The average recovery time for an uncomplicated procedure is 10 to 14 days. The recovery time is slightly higher for drainage of deep neck abscesses. The prognosis is good. Complications are uncommon and the need for additional treatment, such as antibiotic therapy or additional surgery, is rare.