Emergency War Surgery NATO Handbook: Part IV: Regional Wounds and Injuries: Chapter XXIII: Maxillofacial Wounds and Injuries
United States Department of Defense
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer
Reviewed
Because of the contiguity of the naso-oral passages and the perforating nature of these wounds, maxillofacial wounds are doubly exposed to bacterial contamination. The mouth, pharynx, and nose are heavily populated by a variety of pathogens. All fractures in this region, except for fractures of the ascending ramus of the mandible, usually communicate with the internal mucus membrane wound and the external skin wound.
Antibiotic therapy must begin early and be maintained if serious infection is to be prevented or controlled. Oral hygiene, with particular attention to the teeth, is also necessary. Placement of a nasogastric tube for feeding in the immediate postoperative period in the presence of extensive intraoral wounds may be desirable.
All contents copyright © 1997-2000 The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.
URL: http://www.vnh.org/