Open Trauma to the Larynx by a Stab Wound: A Case Report

<i>Introduction</i>: Open laryngeal trauma is rare. Only early and appropriate diagnosis and treatment can preserve or restore the respiratory and phonatory functions of the larynx and prevent the appearance of disabling functional sequelae. <i>Material and method</i>: This was a 50-year-old patient with a history of psychiatric illness, admitted for treatment of a penetrating wound to the neck following an attempted self-lysis with a bladed weapon (knife). On examination, we objectified a conscious patient with a makeshift bandage soiled with blood at the neck. A respiratory murmur was also perceived. Given this picture, the patient was immediately taken in a lying position to the operating room for surgical management. The postoperative course was marked on D13 by a decannulation process and a complete decanution on D15 postoperatively. We proceeded to remove the nasogastric tube on D21. A cure without respiratory or vocal sequelae was obtained on D28 postoperatively. <i>Conclusion</i>: Open trauma is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. If unrecognized or poorly managed, it can be life-threatening in the immediate term or cause serious long-term after-effects.