Zone ll injuries are those occurring in the region between the cricoid cartilage and the angle of the mandible. The predominance of zone II injuries in this study may be attributable to the fact that unlike zones l and lll, zone II is not protected by bony structures making it more vulnerable to injuries. Injuries in this zone are the easiest to expose and evaluate [9-13]. As reported by others [3,9], majority of patients in this study presented with open wounds and active bleeding. Hemorrhagic shock and respiratory distress were reported

in only 22.4% and 16.3% of cases. Exposed hypopharynx and or larynx following #FTY720 keyword# cut throat, hemorrhage, Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical shock and asphyxia from aspirated blood are commonest cause of death following cut throat injury. A good knowledge of the nature and type of cut throat wounds allows the clinicians to understand the type weapon used and this is of great importance for medico-legal purposes and surgical treatment. In this study, surgical debridement, laryngeal/hypopharynx repair and tracheostomy were the most common surgical Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical procedures performed. Similar treatment patterns were reported by other authors [3,9-11]. Cut throat injuries require a multidisciplinary approach involving the anesthetist

and psychiatrists working in conjunction with the Otolaryngologist and could be managed with better prognosis if the patients present early to the hospital and are given prompt attention [11,14,15]. In this study, all patients that attempted

suicide were considered for the psychiatric consultation. This was because Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical the act of suicide is a sign of underlying mental illness and there is possibility of a second attempt [9,22]. The presence of complications has an impact on the final outcome of patients Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical presenting with cut throat injuries as supported by the present study. In keeping with other studies [3,9,11], more than fifty percent of patients developed complications of which nearly surgical site infections was the most common complications. Complication rate was significantly associated with delayed presentation and anatomical zones. Early recognition and management of complications following cut throat injury is of paramount in reducing the morbidity and mortality resulting from these injuries. Prevention of these complications depends upon immediate resuscitation by securing the airway by tracheostomy or intubation, prompt control of external hemorrhage and blood replacement, protection of the head and neck, accurate and rapid diagnosis, and prompt intervention or operative treatment when indicated. The length of hospital stay has been reported to be an important measure of morbidity among trauma patients.