• Caiwang Chang, Zhilin Zhou, Mengjia Xie, Juanjuan Gao, Miaomiao Shao, Jinhua Huang, and Zhibing Meng.
• Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 May 5; 102 (18): e33445e33445.

RationaleThe treatment of abscess in the infratemporal space is still controversial and bedside and operative intraoral drainage is often used to resolve the abscess. However, it can be difficult to control the infection quickly.[1] In this report, the authors present a new technique of using transfixion irrigation with negative pressure drainage for minimally invasive management of infratemporal fossa abscess.Patient ConcernsA 45-year-old man with type 2 diabetes complained of painful swelling and trismus in the right lower facial region for 10 days. The patient was weak, with mild anxiety, and gradually aggravated.DiagnosesThe patient was misdiagnosed and received dental pulp treatment for the right mandibular first molar and was given oral cefradine capsules (500 mg 3 times per day). Computed tomography scan and puncture revealed an abscess in the infratemporal fossa.InterventionThe authors used transfixion irrigation with negative pressure drainage from different directions to reach the abscess cavity. Saline solution was infused through 1 tube and allowed to flow out through the other tube to flush out the pus and debris from the abscess.OutcomeOn day 9, the drainage tube was removed and the patient was discharged. One week later, the patient was followed up in the outpatient clinic and the impacted mandibular third molar was removed. This technique is less invasive and leads to faster recovery times and fewer complications.Lessons SubsectionsThe report highlights the importance of proper preoperative evaluation, using a thoracic drainage tube as soon as possible, and continuous flushing. A double-lumen drainage tube with a suitable diameter and combined flushing should be designed for future reference. Moreover, the use of drugs can effectively eliminate emboli formation, allowing for faster and more minimally invasive control and removal of the infection.[2].Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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