Retropharyngeal abscess

Follow-up is usually unnecessary once resolution occurs unless there are other complications or if weaning from tracheostomy is required. In complicated cases it may be reasonable to ask the patient to return to clinic after 2 weeks to inspect the oropharynx and hypopharynx. This may be pertinent in an older adult (age >50 years) where there is a need to rule out underlying neoplasia. In this case, examination with a flexible endoscope should be mandatory.