Suicidal Throat Cut Attempt

Sharon · #1 ● 12-24-2012, 12:43 PM

A 55-year-old unemployed Hausa (Nigeria) man presented to us with 24 hours history of a self-inflicted anterior neck wound from a suicidal attempt. He has 12 children from 2 wives and the unavailability of funds to cater for his family was the reason he gave for attempting to take his life. He denied substance abuse. No family history of psychiatric disorder. No history of self-injury or poisoning. He was discovered by his children in his bedroom in a pool of blood with a slit throat.

Examination revealed a pale middle aged man who was not dyspnoeic with a 14 cm anterior neck laceration exposing his hypopharynx and larynx. Tetanus prophylaxis and parenteral antibiotics were given. He was transfused 2 units of whole blood and given tracheostomy. His wound was repaired under general anesthesia administered via the tracheostomy tube. Nasogastric tube was inserted intraoperatively following repair. He was commenced on parenteral ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and pentazocine postoperatively. Stitches were removed and decannulation process started on the 5th postoperative day and completed alongside nasogastric tube removal uneventfully on the 7th postoperative day.

He started having psychiatric care and supervision immediately postoperative and was given. Follow up in the clinic has been uneventful for 6 months after discharge on the 14th postoperative day.