Conservative treatment of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess in children.

Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal infections, which can potentially cause life-threatening complications, could be treated conservatively with no need for surgical drainage. A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal infections was performed. Information regarding age, sex, presenting symptoms, physical examination, laboratory and imaging evaluations, management, duration of hospital stay, and complications were reviewed. Seven children were identified, 4 with retropharyngeal abscess and 3 with parapharyngeal abscess. All but 1 patient were under 7 years old, and all were treated with intravenous amoxicilin/clavulanic acid and corticosteroids. Torticollis and fever were present in all the patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 7 days. There were no complications associated. We demonstrate that retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses can be treated medically, reserving the surgical drainage for complicated cases. Treatment with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids is a safe option, reducing the durations of symptoms and the length of hospital stay.