Management of Atypical Suicidal Cut Throat Injury in a Private Tertiary Hospital

Cut throat injuries are potentially life threatening due to the peculiarity of the structures traversing this region of the body. These injuries could be accidental, homicidal or suicidal and the use of a sharp weapon is the least frequent suicidal method in most cases reported. In cases of attempted suicide, hesitant marks are a common finding. Attempting suicide by cutting the throat without hesitant marks is a very rare occurrence. Generally, cases of cut throat injuries are largely under reported as many are fatal before presenting to the hospital therefore a definite incidence is not available. These patients need emergency multidisciplinary care to prevent rapid deterioration, avoidable morbidity and mortality. Adequate airway management skill in intubating and securing the airway to allow for wound exploration and surgical repair is essential for a good outcome. We present to you a rare case of suicidal cut throat injury in a 38 year old male with depressive type of schizoaffective disorder not associated with hesitant marks at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, a private tertiary hospital in south west Nigeria. The rarity of the case is the reason for presenting this case report