Abstract
Background:
Cut throat injuries are rare and require urgent surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications. This report highlights a unique case involving complex surgical repair of tracheal, esophageal, and vascular injuries following a homicidal assault, emphasizing the challenges and techniques used in managing such severe trauma.
Case Presentation:
A 45-year-old female presented with a severe cut throat injury after an alleged homicidal assault with a knife. The patient was in hypovolemic shock and required immediate resuscitation. Endotracheal intubation was performed through the transected tracheal segment, followed by surgical exploration in the operating room. Findings included partial transection of the carotid sheath, complete transection of the trachea, and oesophagus. Surgical repair involved using lateral prolene 5-O sutures for the carotid sheath, end-to-end oesophageal repair with absorbable 3-0 polygalactin sutures, and as tracheal repair was not possible posterior wall was approximated with 3-0 prolene and size 7 tracheostomy tube was inserted and secured. The patient was managed post-operatively in the ICU and was discharged in stable condition on the 25th day with psychiatric follow-up.
Conclusions:
This case underscores the importance of prompt airway management and surgical intervention in cut throat injuries. The meticulous repair of multiple structures and careful post-operative care were crucial in achieving a successful outcome. This report contributes to the limited literature on managing complex cut throat injuries and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in such cases.