Management of the upper airway in severe cut-throat injuries.

Abstract

Four patients treated for cut-throat injuries are the subjects of this paper. Two were self-inflicted suicide attempts while one each w a s f o r ritual killing and over dispute d farmland . Tracheostomy was deplored at the early period in all case s to ensure safe and patent airway . Significant laryngotrachealstenosis was a long-term morbidity suffered by two of the patients. Management of the airway in the early and late periods following the cut-throat injuries is discussed .