Acute oropharyngeal puncture wounds: a review

Abstract

Oropharyngeal injuries are commonly seen in practice. Severity can range from minor to life threatening in the case of dorsal pharyngeal or oesophageal punctures. A prompt diagnosis and early aggressive surgical management may be required to prevent the development of mediastinitis and sepsis. This article will look at acute injuries and outline a systematic approach to these cases, enabling the clinician to make early decisions rather than adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach.