Phlegmone

Non-invasive treatment of infection in the head

and neck region
Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgery

Introduction
Your maxillofacial surgeon has diagnosed an infection in the head and neck
region that will be treated with intravenous antibiotics. In this brochure, we
summarize what is important for you after the treatment has begun. It is important
to realize that your personal situation may differ.

The procedure
Upon being admitted to the hospital, you will be put on an IV drip with given. You
will be monitored as to how you respond to the installed treatment. You will
remain in the hospital as long as you need intravenous antibiotics. The
maxillofacial surgeon decides together with you when you may leave. After
discharge, any pain can be treated with paracetamol 500mg (max. 6x/day),
unless the maillofacial surgeon has prescribed a different pain killer.

How to take care of the mouth

Due to your infection, oral hygiene may be difficult. It is however important that
you maintain oral hygiene standards. You can do this by brushing your teeth
thoroughly. Brush after every meal and in the evening before you go to bed. Aside
from this, it is advised that you rinse your mouth after brushing with 0.02%
chlorhexidin. Upon discharge, you will be given a prescription.
(A side-effect can be grey/black discoloration of the teeth and tongue which will
disappear when you stop rinsing).

Furthter information
Be careful with alcohol
If you have trouble eating after the procedure, we advise you to take fluids
and soft foods for the first few days. After that, you may gradually resume
your normal diet.
The inconvenience and the possible pain determine when you can return to
work.
When there are serious problems opening your mouth, serious difficulties in
swallowing, or fever, please contact the maxillofacial surgeon. (see below).

When to contact the hospital?

It goes without saying that the physician will do everything he can to reduce the
complications to a minimum. Nonetheless, there is always the slight chance of
subsequent bleeding or a wound infection. You can contact the department Oral
diseases, Jaw and Facial Surgery if:
If the pain, swelling and difficulties swallowing have not decreased after two
days. Or
If there is a fever (above 39C).
During office hours from Monday Friday, the out-patient clinic Oral and
MaxilloFacial Surgery can be reached via telephone: 040-239 7030.
Evenings and nights, contact the Short Stay department via telephone:
040-239 7800 or contact the Emergency Room ( Spoedeisende Hulp ) via
telephone: 040-239 9600 or via the Hospital switchboard: 040-239 9111

In conclusion
If you still have questions after reading this brochure, please ask your consulting
physician or the staff nurse in the department.
More information concerning oral & maxillofacial surgery in the Catharina
Hospital can also be found at: www.kaakchirurgie-eindhoven.nl

 Catharina-ziekenhuis
Michelangelolaan 2
Postbus 1350
5602 ZA Eindhoven
040 - 239 9111
www.catharina-ziekenhuis.nl
Patient information
Mon/Phlegmone/01-10-2008