Management of Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis

Objective/HypothesisDescending necrotizing mediastinitis is caused by downward spread of neck infections and constitutes a highly lethal complication of oropharyngeal lesions. This infection previously had a much worse prognosis. In recent years, more aggressive management has been recommended. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results with the association of thoracotomy and cervicotomy, medical care in an intensive care unit, and daily washing of drained cervical and thoracic tissues.