ROLES OF ANESTHESIA TEAM IN RETROPHARYNGEAL ABSCESSES EARLY INTERVENTION;REVIEW

Abstract

The anaesthesiologist faces a significant problem when treating retropharyngeal abscess due to the disease's restricted airway. In this report, we provide a case of a child's retropharyngeal abscess that was successfully drained under general anesthesia without problems. The current research contains the most comprehensive series of pediatric retropharyngeal abscesses in modern medical literature. Changes in the illness process and management from the first half of the century to now are reviewed, and recommendations for optimal management are offered, with a focus on the role of the anesthesia team in patient airway management, which is particularly difficult. Increased anxiety can aggravate early upper airway blockage, potentially leading to respiratory decompensation, particularly in younger children. It is critical to get both aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures. In 91% of retropharyngeal abscess cases, white blood cell counts exceed 12,000/μL. Lateral neck radiographs are the ideal imaging modality for diagnosing suspected retropharyngeal abscesses, especially in young children. This decision is based on their reduced radiation exposure and improved patient tolerance, particularly for patients exhibiting signs of airway impairment. Airway treatment in retropharyngeal abscess presents an anesthetic challenge due to airway architecture distortion and the likelihood of spontaneous abscess rupture, which might result in aspiration or stridor due to laryngeal edema.