Laryngopharyngeal injuries.
The patient who sustains trauma to the neck may present with symptoms strongly suggesting an acute injury to the larynx. The laryngeal injury may be real or imagined; however, the clinical manifestations may be so overwhelmingly indicative of a laryngeal injury that a small tear in the adjacent upper gut may be overlooked. Failure to diagnose an upper gut injury can result in a confusing parade of symptoms and signs, great morbidity and even death. Two cases are presented, each illustrating certain unique aspects of upper gut and laryngeal injuries. The history, diagnosis, operative management and clinical course of each patient are described. Attention is given to the unique facets of each case which make upper gut injury a fascinating and challenging surgical entity. Each case is discussed in terms of diagnostic and management errors or areas of controversy. Finally, certain general concepts of management of upper gut injuries are described.
D000328:Adult; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries; D010614:Pharynx / Q000293:injuries*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery