Surgical Management of Life Threatening Penetrating Neck Injuries – A Single Handed Experience

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE:To evaluate demographics, management and outcome of life threatening penetrating neck injuries (PNI). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of thirty four patients of severe PNI were referred to us between August 2003 and Feb.2013. Simple emergency investigations like hemogram and X rays or in few cases CT scan were enough to decide emergency exploration. Patients who were in shock required resuscitation. RESULT: Out of 34 patients, males in active phase of life (24 patients, 70.59%) predominate. Road traffic accident (RTA) (11 Patients, 32.35%), bullet injuries (10 patients, 29.41%) and sharp object (11 patients, 32.35%) were most common cause of injuries. Homicidal injuries predominates .Bleeding was the most common presentation seen in all cases from neck vessels. Aero digestive, neurological, lung and pleura involvement were other injuries encountered. Patients have maximum injuries at Zone I region (19 patients, 55.88%) and managed by supraclavicular approach (16 patients, 47.06%).We had 1 (2.94%) mortality. CONCLUSION: Emergency surgical exploration and ICU management saved life of most of life threatening PNI .We recommend time should not be delayed in detail diagnosis and evaluation of such injuries.

The wounds of the neck

“…Большинство (80,7-90,55%) пострадавших, по данным разных авторов, -мужчины, средний возраст которых составляет 27-35 лет, т.е. наиболее социально активная часть населения [1,4].…”