Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Aim: To review medical records from patients who had maxillofacial infections between january 2008 to January 2016. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 91 patients, 51 males (56%) and 40 females (44%) admitted in Ali Omar Askar (AOA) University hospital for Neurosurgery, Oral & Maxillofacial surgery department, Esbea, Tripoli Libya. Epidemiology, causes of infection treatment carried out and complications were discussed. Results: A total of 91 patients with maxillofacial infection of which 51 were male (56%), 40 females (44%), 85 patients had Odontogenic infections (93%), 45 males (52.9%) & 40 females (47.1%) and 6 had non-Odontogenic infections (7%). The Odontogenic infections occurred mostly at the mandible and its associated spaces 74 cases (87%) involving the posterior teeth (82%). The main cause was dental caries 80 cases (94%). The most commonly affected facial anatomic region was the submandibular 39 cases (45.9%). Surgical treatment was required in all the cases. Conclusions: Maxillofacial infections require proper urgent treatment, to avoid complications, which can be serious. Their Management is primarily surgical (incison, drinage with extraction of offending tooth as required which require skilled anaesthetic airway management. Immedate admision, monitoring vital signs and high doses of antibiotics, with intravenous fluids for rehydration . Early diagnosis and National oral health preventive programme required in all age groups with emphasis on younger age group will reduce the incidence of Odontogenic infections and its serious consequences.

Biography

Mohamed Saleh Elarbi is a renowned Professor in Ali Omar Askar Neurosurgery Centre, Libya. He has many publications to his credit.

Email: mselarbi@hotmail.com