[Characteristics of the clinical course and surgical tactics in odontogenic suppurative mediastinitis].

Odontogenic purulent mediastinitis arising with higher frequency in young males after mandibular periodontitis, is characterized by a rapid progression of intoxication and respiratory disorders. To achieve an immediate effect and avoid tracheostomy ameliorating the prognosis, it is necessary to perform early and adequate drainage of the purulent foci. The above form of mediastinitis should be preferably managed by bilateral transcervical drainage of the anterior and posterior mediastinum with addition of antibacterial therapy against ++non-clostridial anaerobic microflora as well as of passive and active immunization.