Penetrating trauma to the neck can result in severe morbidity and mortality. Location of the injury dictates the appropriate clinical management. Challenging traumatic injuries require resourceful treatment options
A complex traumatic case of a foreign body penetrating the neck, the parotid gland, disrupting the internal jugular vein, with the tip resting at the anterior aspect of the C1 ring is reported. In this case, the authors seek to describe the clinical management of a vascular injury that resulted from penetrating zone III of the neck. Due to the complex and dense presence of various structure in the neck, injuries can be difficult to manage. Thus, an algorithm identifies management strategies that are suggested based on the location of the injury, signs of vascular injury, identified injured structures and the hemodynamic stability of the patient. Balloon tamponade has been described in other organs of the body and it might be a therapeuticn option in patients were venous injuries are difficult to access. Penetrating neck injuries continue to result in significant morbidity and mortality. However, with appropriate and efficient evaluation and management, better outcomes are expected as demonstrated in this case.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
1
A tamponade device that was fashioned using an 18F red rubber catheter and Penrose drain that was cut to the approximate length of the tract and ligated proximally and distally with #0 silk.
STHS McAllen
McAllen, Texas, United States
Mortality
Time frame: 1 month
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