Abstract
BackgroundThe neck region contains a high density of vital organ structures within a relatively small and unprotected anatomic region, making it one of the most vulnerable areas of the body for all types of injuries.ObjectivesIn this article, we studied penetrating neck trauma cases in Alzahra Hospital over a 10-year period.Patients and MethodsIn this retrospective, descriptive, analytical study, penetrating neck trauma cases admitted to Alzahra Hospital between April 2000 and April 2010 were analyzed for epidemiology, mechanism of trauma, zone of trauma, therapeutic method, injuries to other organs, complications, and mortality.ResultsAmong 192 penetrating neck injuries, the mean age at the time of injury was 25.08 ± 15.02 years. Of these cases, 96.4% occurred in men. The most common mechanisms of trauma was stab wounds (85.93%). In 56.3% of penetrating neck injuries, zone 2 was involved. Neck exploration was positive in 84.4% of cases, and 52.1% of patients underwent surgery. Vascular exploration was the most common cause of surgery (67.2% of patients). The most common surgical intervention was vein ligation (50.8% of cases). In 11.98% of cases, another organ injury occurred simultaneously, and chest injury was the most common coexisting problem (65.2%). Complications were reported in 9.3% of patients, and the need for intubation was the most common complication (5.2% of patients). Mortality rate was 1.5%.ConclusionsAccording to the findings of this study, the most common cause of penetrating neck injuries was stab wounds, and the majority of patients were young men, therefore, preventive measures should be implemented. Because of fatal complications associated with neck injuries, we recommend early neck exploration in unstable cases or when injuries are deeper than the platysma.
Highlights
The neck region contains a high density of vital organ structures in a relatively small and unprotected anatomic region, making it one of the most vulnerable areas of the body for all types of injuries [1]
The current mortality rate for penetrating neck injury is 3–6%, with 50% of deaths caused by hemorrhage from vascular injuries
Aerodigestive tract injuries occur in 23–30% of patients with penetrating neck wounds, and esophageal injuries are associated with mortality rates of 11–17% [8]
Summary
The neck region contains a high density of vital organ structures within a relatively small and unprotected anatomic region, making it one of the most vulnerable areas of the body for all types of injuries. Vascular exploration was the most common cause of surgery (67.2% of patients). Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, the most common cause of penetrating neck injuries was stab wounds, and the majority of patients were young men, preventive measures should be implemented. Vascular injury is the most frequent complication of penetrating neck trauma, occurring in onequarter of all cases, and carrying a mortality of nearly 50%. The most common causes of penetrating neck trauma are missile injuries from firearms and stab injuries. The current mortality rate for penetrating neck injury is 3–6%, with 50% of deaths caused by hemorrhage from vascular injuries. Aerodigestive tract injuries occur in 23–30% of patients with penetrating neck wounds, and esophageal injuries are associated with mortality rates of 11–17% [8]. Complications occurred in 7 of the surviving 63 patients (10.7%) [11]
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