Suicidal Attempt by Hanging-Unusual Evolution-Case Report

Abstract

Hanging is the most common suicide method that is used by men and women also. The mechanisms of death recognized are airway obstruction, carotid sinus compression with vagal inhibition (and reflex cardiac arrest), arterial blockage with brain ischemia, blockage of both IJV, with edema of the face, brain, tongue, larynx pharynx, fractures in cervical vertebral column with the cord injury. We present an extreme case of an 62 year-old man, who try to suicide by hanging, but he was discovered by the family still breathing. They call 911. SMURD resuscitate him and rush him to the hospital there was admitted in ICU-ENT unit. The patient was comatose, with giant edema of the head, and cyanosis, brain edema and ischemia with possible decerebration. We present this case because of a few unique particularities first the fact that he was a person with a permanent tracheostomy -5 years ago was diagnose with laryngeal carcinoma and treated with total laryngectomy and neck dissection followed by radiotherapy the extended period of time between hanging and salvage -was discovered hanging by the rope 2 days after the event still breathing -unique in cases reports all over the world. Also It example that mechanism of death can be other than respiratory asphyxia in hanging cases. Also is important to discuss the suicidal attempt in patients with cancer, and the quality of life after a mutilating surgery. even till now there are no signs of recurrence.