Evaluation and Treatment of Penetrating Cervical Injuries

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Abstract
Because the serious nature of penetrating cervical injuries may not be readily apparent on initial evaluation, and since delay in treatment can result in serious complications, a systematic method of evaluation and routine exploration has been employed in treating these injuries. One hundred eighty-nine patients, 49 with gunshot wounds and 140 with stab wounds, were treated in this series. Arteriography was performed in 62 patients (33%) to detect vascular injuries and to aid in the planning of the operative approach in patients with high or low neck wounds. Arteriography was 98% accurate and changed the operative approach in 29% of the positive studies. Of the 154 explorations 72 were positive (47%). There were no deaths and only four complications in the group with negative explorations. The mortality rate for the series was 2.6%. We believe that angiography in selected patients and routine exploration of wounds penetrating the platysma can minimize morbidity and mortality in these injuries.

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