Decompression of Ludwig's angina in a pregnant patient under bilateral superficial cervical plexus block. Issue 4 (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rahman, Tabishur; Ahmed, Syed; Rahman, Sajjad
• Is Part Of: Journal of perioperative practice. Volume 32:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Infection / Anaesthesia / Pregnant / Drainage / Odontogenic; Operating room nursing -- Periodicals; 617.9192
• DOI: 10.1177/1750458919834195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2515-7949

Abstract

Ludwig's angina is defined as a potentially lethal, rapidly spreading cellulitis, involving the sublingual and submandibular spaces, and is manifested by a brawny suprahyoid induration, tender swelling in the floor of the mouth, and elevation and posterior displacement of the tongue. During a life-threatening infection such as Ludwig's angina, the mother and foetus are vulnerable to septicemia and asphyxia. We describe a case of decompression of Ludwig's angina in a 28 weeks pregnant patient under bilateral superficial cervical plexus block. The block, coupled with bilateral mandibular nerve block, provided ample anaesthesia to perform a thorough incision and drainage, including transection of mylohyoid with lowering of the floor of mouth and rapid relief of respiratory obstruction.