Our experience of cut throat injury at a tertiary care center during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Cut throat injury is a least commonly attempted method of suicide or homicide. Neck injury may be suicidal, homicidal or accidental depending upon the etiology. Hesitation mark around the wound is favor of suicidal attempt and without hesitation mark is a rare possibility of suicidal attempt. Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out over period of one year, between April 2020 to March 2021, in a tertiary care center of north central India, during Covid-19 pandemic before the second wave. Results: Total 37 cases were attended; incidence was more common in male than female (34:3). Most commonly involved age group was 21 to 30 years, most of the patients belonged to rural background and manual workers. Homicide was the most common cause of injury and mostly under the influence of alcohol. Conclusions: Young males belonging to lower socioeconomic status and rural background were most common victims of cut throat injury in our study, homicide being the most common causative factor. Life of the patients can be saved with less morbidity and mortality by the means of good triage management and early intervention.