Case report on open injuries of the larynx

Abstract

While open injury of the larynx is relatively rare, prompt and emergent control of the airway, treatment of the infected wound, and surgical repair for reconstruction of the laryngeal function are required. We report on a patient who had sustained an open injury of the larynx in whom the laryngeal function could be successfully preserved intact. The case was a 46-year-old man who had attempted suicide by cutting his throat with a kitchen knife, which resulted in complete tearing of the thyroid membrane and exposure of the upper part of the larynx. Emergent tracheotomy was performed the epiglottis was pulled up, and the thyroid cartilage was sewn to prevent occlusion of the laryngeal passage by the sagging epiglottis. In addition, we sutured together the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage, so that the larynx could be held up and the laryngeal structure could be reconstructed satisfactorily for good deglutition. Eventually, we could close his tracheostoma, following which he regained his voice and normal swallowing function.