Needle aspiration for suppurative cervical lymphadenitis

In a 10-year prospective study, we used needle aspiration as the treatment of suppurative cervical lymphadenitis that required drainage procedure in 35 consecutive children aged 4 months to 13 years (mean 2.2 years). Twenty-seven patients underwent 1 puncture, 7 patients had 2 punctures, and 1 had 3 punctures. There were no major complications. Patients were followed up for 2-6 months. None required an open drainage of the cervical abscess. There was complete regression of the nodes in all patients within 21 days, with no relapse or scar formation. Needle aspiration seems to be an effective and safe treatment of suppurative cervical lymphadenitis that may avoid open drainage.