Citation

Konobu T, Hata M, Fukushima H. Japanese Journal of Chest Diseases 2003; 62(1): 78-82.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A case of fresh self-inflicted laryngotracheal trauma coupled with an old laryngeal injury in a suicide attempt is reported. A 52-year-old female, who had previously attempted suicide by stabbing herself in the neck, attempted suicide by the same method. After travel by train for eitht hours, she was admitted to our hospital. Two stab wounds, 1.5 cm in length, were found on the midline of the neck. There was an old scar coused by the previous stabbing just above the present wounds. The patient developed hemoptysis and subcutaneous emphysema. Chest X-rays revealed pneumomediastinum and then local wound exploration was performed. The second tracheal ring was cut and the cricoid cartilage was also injured. Before the treatment of the injured trachea, the patient underwent a tracheotomy about 3 cm caudal to the stab wounds. Then repair of the wound using a 4-0 absorbable suture was carried out. The intra-and post-operative course was uneventful. After these treatments, fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed to evaluate the old laryngeal trauma. Although we started the operation eight hours after the trauma, her clinical status was stable and there was no granulation in the stab site of repairment. Emergency physicians must be aware that serous airway injury may be hidden under superficial small wounds. Also, rapid local wound exploration is important for early diagnosis of laryngotracheal trauma.

Language: ja