ObjectiveTo review and summarize our clinical experience in the treatment of deepneck multiple space abscesses so as to improve the diagnosis and treatment level of this disease.MethodsClinical data of 182 patients suffering from deepneck multiple space abscesses treated in hospital between March 2008 and March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The analyzed data included the clinical characteristics, results of examinations, treatment and followup.ResultsIn the 182 patients, the maletofemale ratio was 1.98∶1. 27 patients were combined with underlying systemic diseases, including diabetes in 25, grade 3 hypertension in one and chronic nephropathy in another one. The most common symptoms were cervical masses and cervical pain. Submandibular space was the most commonly affected space, followed by parapharyngeal space. Odontogenic infection and upper respiratory tract infection were the most common causes. Bacterial culture of pus collected from all patients showed positive results in 45 cases with Streptococcus as the most common pathogen (43.6%). Of the 25 with diabetes, only 4 patients got positive culture result and were all affected by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotic therapy was applied to all patients and 152 received incision and drainage of abscesses. The most common complication was airway obstruction, and 33 patients (18.1%) received tracheotomy. After 2 to 43 days of hospitalization, the symptoms were cured in 151 or relieved in 31, and there was neither death nor recurrence.ConclusionsDeepneck multiple space abscesses affect a higher proportion of men than women. It is characterized by acute onset and rapid progress. Incision and drainage of abscesses and combined use of sensitive antibiotics remain the main treatment for this disease. The bacterial culture result is just for reference in the antibiotic therapy due to negativity in majority of our cases. Tracheotomy is vital to ensure postoperative safety, reduce complications and improve the prognosis. Special attention must be given to the treatment of underlying systemic diseases and complications in elderly patients during the management of deepneck multiple space abscesses.