Management of cut-throat injuries

Zafarullah Beigh,Rauf Ahmad

doi:10.4103/1012-5574.138493

Abstract

Abstract Cut-throat injuries (CTIs) are defined as incised injuries or those resembling incised injuries in the neck inflicted by sharp objects. This may result from accident, homicide, or suicide. CTIs are potentially life threatening because of the many vital structures in this area. These patients need emergency and multispecialty care. In this part of the world, suicide is the major cause of CTIs. Exposed hypopharynx and/or larynx following a cut throat, hemorrhage, shock, and asphyxia from aspirated blood are the most common causes of death following a CTI. This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Government Medical College, Srinagar, JK early management of patients by a team of specialists can save the life of the patient most of the time. All patients who have attempted suicide should undergo a psychiatric evaluation. This is because the act of suicide is a sign of an underlying mental illness and there may be a possibility of a second attempt. Not all patients with CTIs require tracheostomy. The majority of patients with CTIs can be managed without tracheostomy.

Highlights

Cut-throat injuries (CTIs) are desned as incised injuries or those resembling incised injuries in the neck inƀicted by sharp objects
Exposed hypopharynx and or larynx, hemorrhage, shock, and asphyxia from aspirated blood are the common causes of death following a CTI
All patients who have attempted suicide should undergo a psychiatric evaluation. This is because the act of suicide is a sign of an underlying mental illness and there may be a possibility of a second attempt

Summary

Introduction

Cut-throat injuries (CTIs) are desned as incised injuries or those resembling incised injuries in the neck inƀicted by sharp objects. These patients need emergency and multispecialty care In this part of the world, suicide is the major cause of CTIs. Exposed hypopharynx and/or larynx following a cut throat, hemorrhage, shock, and asphyxia from aspirated blood are the most common causes of death following a CTI. Open or incised injuries or those resembling incised injuries in the neck inflicted by sharp objects such as razor, knives, or broken bottle pieces or glasses that may be superficial or penetrating in nature may be described as ‘cut-throat injuries’ (CTIs) [1,2,3] This may result from accident, homicide, or a suicide attempt. Victims of homicidal CTIs need psychological support to overcome the trauma to their psyche, which may remain long after the neck wounds have healed [6]

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Conclusion