Management of suicidal cut throat injuries in a developing nation: three case reports

Abstract

Introduction: Suicidal cut throat injuries are either unreported or fortunately rare in our country. The management of these injuries requires a multi-disciplinary approach.

Case presentations: This paper presents our experiences with managing three unemployed adult Nigerian males - two of Hausa ethnicity and one from the Tiv ethnic group presenting with cut throat injuries following suicidal attempts.

Conclusion: The purpose of these reports is to emphasize that suicidal cut throat injuries do occur in our environment and there is a need for the collaboration of the otorhinolaryngologist, anesthesiologist and psychiatrist in the effective management of these patients. We recommend the socioeconomic improvement of individuals as a way of reducing the incidence of these injuries as unemployment was cited as a motivating factor for suicide in our patients. Ways must also be found to identify the many people in society without mental disorders who are at risk of suicidal behaviors.

Figure 1

Case 3 at presentation.

Figure 2

Case 3 showing the sutured neck wound, spigotted tracheostomy tube and part of nasogastric tube in-situ.