Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiorgan-Penetrating Injuries to the Head and Neck: Case Series

Abstract

Multiorgan-penetrating injuries to the head and neck are relatively uncommon, with many complications and high mortality, and the management of such injuries is often complex and nonstandardized. Here, we report our experience of treating such injuries. We retrospectively analyzed multiorgan-penetrating injuries to the head and neck in patients who were admitted to and managed in our department. We evaluated first-aid measures, imaging examination findings, operation method, and prognoses. A total of 5 patients were identified. The patients were successfully treated; two of these patients with wooden foreign bodies underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the common carotid artery. To sum up, we conclude that individualized multidisciplinary treatment according to the affected organs and manner of impalement can greatly reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications. In endoscopy-assisted removal with irregular wooden foreign bodies, we advocate intraoperative DSA of common carotid arteries as a routine procedure.