Radheshyam Mahato, Tanvi Choubey, Dhrupad Ray, Subir Das, Gourab Manna, Arunava Ghosh, Manotosh Dutta
BACKGROUND
Cut throat injuries are potentially devastating type of injuries with associated emotional, physical and financial burden on community and hospital resources. As per definition, cut-throat injuries are incised injuries or those resembling incised injuries in the neck inflicted by sharp objects. In developing countries, the incidence is increasing at a rapid rate partly because of increasing conflict over limited resources, poor socioeconomic status, poverty, alcohol and substance misuse and increased crime rates. This study was conducted in our setting to describe the aetiology, patterns and treatment outcome of these injuries. Multidisciplinary approach is required for the effective management of these patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was carried out in the department of otorhinolaryngology of a tertiary care centre of North Bengal. The demographics of the patients, site, cause, nature of the cut throat injury, treatment received, and outcome were analysed.
RESULTS
This study showed that young men from rural areas were most susceptible to cut throat injuries. There were 32 (72.7%) males and 12(27.27%) females with a male to female ratio of 2.66:1. The age of victims ranged from 16 to 48 years with a mean age of 31.13 year. The peak age of incidence was in the age group of 21-30 years and accounted for 54.54% of cases. The majority of patients, 32(72.7%) were from low socioeconomic classes. The commonest causative factor was suicidal attempts. CONCLUSION Cut throat injuries are increasing rapidly in this region. Almost all the patients presented at emergency and needed urgent surgical intervention. Thorough clinical examination, restoration of airway, where the patient is in shock, fluid and blood transfusion, repair of the injury and close follow up these patients, give good outcome and prevent complications and death.
