Bilateral hypopharyngeal perforations caused by penetrating trauma to the neck

Abstract

External laryngeal trauma is a relatively rare-encountered and sometimes life-threatening emergency condition. Recognition of laryngeal injury related to either blunt or penetrating trauma is important for both initial preservation of life as well as long-term airway and vocal function. Treatment options include medical management with observation and open surgical treatment with or without tracheotomy. We, herein, describe a 23-year-old male case who sustained external penetrating trauma to lateral aspect of neck. The etiology, clinical manifestations, investigation modalities and management of penetrating neck trauma were discussed in the light of the literature data.