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 was for ritual killing and over dispute d farmland. Tracheostomy was deplored at the early period in all cases to ensure safe and patent airway. Significant laryngotracheal stenosis 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