Penetrating visceral injuries of the neck: results of a conservative management policy.

A study of the conservative treatment of 109 patients with penetrating neck injuries was carried out over 3 years. Patients with clinical or radiological evidence of injury to the oesophagus or trachea were included in the study while nine patients with major vascular trauma were explored immediately and excluded. Three late vascular operations were performed. The remaining 106 patients were treated conservatively. There were two deaths, both from associated injuries. The remaining 104 patients were treated successfully with only three cases of minor wound sepsis. We conclude that oesophageal and tracheal injuries after stab injuries and low velocity gunshot wounds can be treated successfully by non-operative treatment.