[Penetrating neck injury caused by stabbing: a rare but complex problem in the Netherlands]

Penetrating neck injuries (PNIs) as a result of stabbing or deliberate self-harm are complex and potentially life-threatening. Nowadays, selective non-operative management of PNI has become common practice. Diagnostic and treatment algorithms originating from high-volume trauma centres in South-Africa and North-America are used in Dutch clinical practice. Three patients that sustained a PNI are discussed. Two patients, aged 61 and 37, only had mild signs on physical examination that justified additional diagnostic investigations. In the first patient, a penetrating oesophageal injury was found and repaired. The latter had a partial Horner syndrome as a result of PNI, no underlying injuries were found. One patient, aged 57, was haemodynamically unstable and therefore received immediate surgical exploration of the neck. A penetrating injury of the jugular vein was discovered and repaired. A summary of literature and guidelines is presented for the benefit of Dutch physicians that may be confronted with these complex injuries.