Korean J Pediatr.  2010 Aug;53(8):801-804. 10.3345/kjp.2010.53.8.801.

Needle aspiration as therapeutic management for suppurative cervical lymphadenitis in children

• Baek MY
• Park KH
• We JH
• Park SE

• KMID: 2280936
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2010.53.8.801

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the needle aspiration alternative to open surgical drainage of children with suppurative cervical lymphadenitis requiring surgical drainage.
METHODS
From January 1998 to June 2008, we retrospectively reviewed 38 children treated with needle aspiration as management with suppurative cervical lymphadenitis instead of open surgical drainage.
RESULTS
All 38 children underwent only 1 puncture. Two patients (5.2%) out of 38 patients experienced reformation of an abscess and all recovered completely after re-treatment with antibiotics. Minor complications were detected in 2 patients (5.2%). One complication originated from remnant necrotic tissue and the other involved formation of a small scar in two patients, which resolved spontaneously. There were no major complications.
CONCLUSION
Needle aspiration can be a simple, safe, and effective alternative procedure to open surgical drainage of children with suppurative cervical lymphadenitis requiring surgical drainage.

Keyword

Suppuration; Lymphadenitis; Needles; Child; Therapeutics

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Child
Cicatrix
Drainage
Humans
Lymphadenitis
Needles
Punctures
Retrospective Studies
Suppuration
Anti-Bacterial Agents