Initial exposure of midline cervical penetrating injury via a collar incision

The penetrating injury to zone II of the neck was caused by a large nail (see at the tip of the curved clamp). After initial bronchoscopy under anesthesia, which demonstrated involvement of the anterior and left posterior-lateral aspect of the trachea, the patient underwent surgical neck exploration. Because there was concern for potential injury to the cervical esophagus, the patient also underwent an EGD, which was normal. The anterior and posterior lateral tracheal injuries were repaired with simple absorbable sutures.