Main causes of complications and deaths in gunshot and stab-cut neck injuries

Masljakov V.V.¹, Urjadov S.E.¹, Gorbelik V.R.¹, Voronov V.V.¹, Dadaev A.Ja.²

Introduction. According to the literature, neck injuries in peacetime occur in 5–10% of all injuries, and in wartime the frequency of such injuries is 0.5–3%. Although the problem is widely reported in the literature, many challenges remain, especially in the context of local armed conflicts and mass contributions to civilian medical organizations.

Purpose of the study. To characterize the main causes of complications and fatalities in gunshot and stab-cut neck wounds on the basis of analysis of the nearest postoperative period.

Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, the immediate results of the treatment of 214 cases of various neck injuries were analysed. The ages of the wounded ranged from 18 to 65. All the wounded were divided into two groups: 129 with gunshot wounds and 112 with coloto-cut neck wounds.

Results. As a result of the study, it was found that such factors could include the time of delivery of the wounded to the medical organization. Thus, in the group of wounded with stab-cut injuries to the neck, the time limits of the provision did not exceed the recommended parameters. At the same time, in the group of wounded with gunshot wounds, they significantly exceeded the recommended limits, which was one of the factors contributing to the development of complications and deaths. Selection of anesthesiological aid for surgical treatment in case of neck injuries. The main anesthesiological benefit that was performed in case of various injuries to the neck is various types of anesthesia, but local anesthesia was applied in slow observations. One of the key points aimed at saving life and health in case of neck injuries is the correct execution of the operational allowance, which can include the correct execution of access, timely and complete hemostasis, as well as proper drainage of the postoperative wound.

Conclusions. 1. Complications in the near postoperative period develop in 51,9% after gunshot wounds and in 10,7% after coloto-cut neck wounds.

2. The main reasons leading to the development of complications and deaths after various neck wounds are: late delivery of the wounded, application of local anesthesia and inadequate drainage of the postoperative wound.

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