Abstract
Cut throat injuries are potentially life threatening due to the peculiarity of the structures traversing this region of the body. These injuries could be accidental, homicidal or suicidal and the use of a sharp weapon is the least frequent suicidal method in most cases reported. In cases of attempted suicide, hesitant marks are a common finding. Attempting suicide by cutting the throat without hesitant marks is a very rare occurrence. Generally, cases of cut throat injuries are largely under reported as many are fatal before presenting to the hospital therefore a definite incidence is not available. These patients need emergency multidisciplinary care to prevent rapid deterioration, avoidable morbidity and mortality. Adequate airway management skill in intubating and securing the airway to allow for wound exploration and surgical repair is essential for a good outcome. We present to you a rare case of suicidal cut throat injury in a 38 year old male with depressive type of schizoaffective disorder not associated with hesitant marks at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, a private tertiary hospital in south west Nigeria. The rarity of the case is the reason for presenting this case report.
Highlights
Suicide is a major cause of mortality worldwide
[8] When suicidal cut throat injuries occur, a multidisciplinary approach is required in the effective management of the victim and requires the close collaboration of the otorhinolaryngologist, anesthesiologist and the psychiatrist
Over the period of a week, patient’s speech and appetite improved, delusions began resolving and he became remorseful about attempting suicide
Summary
Suicide is a major cause of mortality worldwide. It is a human tragedy that accounts for an estimated one million deaths annually [1]. According to some reports from studies done in Nigeria, the most popular methods of attempting suicide includes hanging, use of firearms and ingestion of poisonous substances in that order. [3] Throat cutting remains a rare method [4]. More rare is attempting suicide by throat cutting without hesitant marks as seen in the case report[5]. [8] When suicidal cut throat injuries occur, a multidisciplinary approach is required in the effective management of the victim and requires the close collaboration of the otorhinolaryngologist, anesthesiologist and the psychiatrist. The neck accommodates vital structures like neurovascular bundles, larynx, trachea and oesophagus. Injuries to these structures are varied and depend on the site, pattern and depth of the cut on the neck
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
