Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Management in Complex Cervical Trauma

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• The management of complex cervical trauma remains debated, with differing views on mandatory surgical exploration versus selective conservative approaches.
• Current multidisciplinary strategies integrate clinical assessment, paraclinical evaluations, and pharmacologic support.
• Cervical trauma encompasses a range of mechanisms, including blunt force, penetrating injuries, and strangulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the management of complex cervical trauma within a university medical center.
• To analyze patient characteristics, including demographic and pathological factors, related to cervical trauma.
• To evaluate the therapeutic strategies employed for complex cervical trauma.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 103 patients with complex cervical trauma admitted to the Ear, Nose, and Throat (E.N.T.) Clinic between 2012 and 2016.
• Data collection included patient demographics, trauma mechanisms, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes.
• Analysis focused on identifying indications for surgical intervention and overall management protocols.

Main Results:

• Key indications for urgent surgical exploration in complex cervical trauma include hemodynamic instability, active hemorrhage, expanding hematomas, airway obstruction, and open neck wounds.
• Patients presented with diverse clinical manifestations and required tailored management plans.
• The study highlights the variability in patient characteristics and treatment responses.

Conclusions:

• Complex cervical trauma necessitates a multidisciplinary approach due to its varied clinical presentations and evolving nature.
• The rising incidence of trauma underscores its significance as a public health issue.
• Epidemiological research and the implementation of preventative strategies are crucial for addressing the burden of cervical trauma.