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Pharyngeal trauma in children – accidental and otherwise

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

P. M. J. Tostevin ,
L. J. Hollis  and
C. M. Bailey
P. M. J. Tostevin*
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
L. J. Hollis
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
C. M. Bailey
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
*
Dr p. M. J. Tostevin, 1 Beaufort House, 30 Winders Road, London SW1 1 3HB.
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Abstract

Pharyngeal perforation is an uncommon injury in children. Most reported cases to date have been secondary to instrumentation or penetrating wounds. Laceration to the pharyngeal wall may introduce air, secretions and bacteria into the parapharyngeal space and mediastinum and consequently has potentially life-threatening sequelae. The management of these injuries is controversial. We present a series of four children who suffered pharyngeal trauma, accidentally and otherwise, and discuss their management.

We recommend a high index of suspicion of pharyngeal injury in all cases of oropharyngeal trauma and overnight admission to hospital for observation until an accurate diagnosis has been established. Non- accidental injury of the child must be seriously considered in all cases.

Keywords

PharynxWounds and injuriesChild
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 12 , December 1995 , pp. 1168 - 1175
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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