Penetrating injuries of the neck : a descriptive study of 216 patients managed in Erbil, Iraq between 1993 and 1998

Abstract EN

Objectives : The aim of this study is to describe the presentation, management, and outcome of patients with penetrating injuries of the neck who presented to the Emergency Hospital ofErbil, Iraq between 1993 and 1998.

Methods: Case histories were reviewed and analyzed with regard to region of the neck where the injury occurred, presenting symptoms, nature of injury, complications with and without surgical management, and mortality.

Results : Of the 216 patients, 201 (93 %) had gunshot wounds, 8 (3.

7 %) had shell injuries, and 7 (3.

2%) had stab wounds.

One hundred eighty (83.

3 %) were male, and 36 (16.

7 %) were female, giving a male to female ratio of 5 : 1 The ages ranged between 8-60 years with a mean age of 25.

3.

Fifty-two patients (24 %) underwent surgical intervention.

There were significant sequelae in 100 patients (46 %).

Of the 6 patients who died, 4 had been treated surgically and two died while being observed before surgery.

Local sepsis was more common in patients treated conservatively.

Conclusion: Non- operative treatment in penetrating neck injuries is safe when comprehensive preoperative evaluation including contrast radiography and angiography is available.