Experiences of Penetrating Neck Injuries in a Single Institution

Abstract

Background: The neck is a particularly critical region to sustain penetrating injuries, due to the close approximation of the trachea, esophagus, blood vessels, and the spinal cord. A penetrating neck injury has the potential for serious morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the assessment and management of penetrating neck injuries.Methods: In this retrospective study, penetrating neck injury patients who were admitted to Eulji University Hospital Trauma Center, between December 2015 and December 2017, were analyzed for epidemiology, mechanism of trauma, injured organ, complications, and mortality.Results: Thirty-two patients presented with a penetrating neck injury. All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography to evaluate their injuries once vital signs were stabilized.Among these patients, 27 required surgical treatment. The most commonly injured organ was the trachea. Overall mortality was five, and the main cause of death was bleeding. The mortality was associated with initial systolic blood pressure at the hospital, Glasgow coma scale, transfusion and the abbreviated injury scale of neck.Conclusion: Meticulous clinical examination as well as early volume resuscitation is essential for treating penetrating neck injury patients. Aggressive fluid therapy during transfer to the hospital will help the patient, even if the damage is severe.