Abstract

Grace Amoo-Quaye, Peter Appiah-Thompson*, Nana Andoh Hanson, Ryan Bjorn Meier, Jonathan LeGrand Curtis, Daniel Cox and Jeremy D. Meier

ABSTRACT

Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) with varying degrees of airway obstruction are relatively common at our centre in West Africa. Because of the resource limitations at our institution, including access to CT imaging and fiber-optic endoscopy, the approach to securing the airway differs from the management at centers in other places. We present a case of a child who presented in stridor with neck swelling. A diagnosis of RPA was made, an emergency tracheostomy performed after failed endotracheal intubation and incision and drainage subsequently done. We also discuss our experience over one year.