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Cervical pharyngoesophageal and laryngotracheal injuries
D Demetriades1, G G Velmahos, J A Asensio
1Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California, 1510 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA. demetria@hsc.usc.edu
Abstract:
Aerodigestive tract injuries in the neck are found in about 7% of penetrating neck injuries and are very rare in blunt trauma. A combination of a good physical examination with endoscopy and esophagography can reliably diagnose all significant injuries. Airway control in laryngotracheal trauma is the most urgent priority and is often a difficult procedure. Although selected small pharyngeal and laryngotracheal injuries may be managed nonoperatively, all other aerodigestive tract injuries should be managed with early operation.