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Otolaryngology contribution to the care of patients following non-fatal strangulation in the settings of alleged sexual assault

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 August 2023

Stefan Linton Open the ORCID record for Stefan Linton [Opens in a new window] ,
Navin Mani ,
Rabiya Majeed-Ariss ,
S A Reza Nouraei  and
Catherine White
Stefan Linton*
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
Navin Mani
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
Rabiya Majeed-Ariss
Affiliation:
Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
S A Reza Nouraei
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
Catherine White
Affiliation:
Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
*
Corresponding author: Stefan Linton; Email: stefan.linton@mft.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Background

Non-fatal strangulation as a consequence of a sexual assault attack or domestic violence represents serious bodily harm. Otolaryngologists have an important role in documenting physical findings and managing airway symptoms. This study aimed to describe our otolaryngology department's experience managing patients referred from the sexual assault referral centre who suffered non-fatal strangulation.

Method

A retrospective analysis of patients suffering non-fatal strangulation referred to the Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Otolaryngology Department from Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 was carried out.

Results

A total of 86 patients were referred from Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Of these patients, 56 were given telephone advice and the remaining 30 were seen by the on-call otolaryngology team. In addition, 20 out of 30 (66.6 per cent) patients underwent fibre-optic nasal endoscopy. Common presenting symptoms were neck pain (81.4 per cent), dyspnoea (80.2 per cent) and dizziness (72.1 per cent). Five patients had identifiable laryngeal injury on endoscopy.

Conclusion

Meticulous documentation is recommended when managing patients who suffer non-fatal strangulation because medical records may be used as evidence in criminal investigations.

Keywords

Stridorendoscopydysphagiaairway obstructionmedicolegal aspects
Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 138 , Issue 1 , January 2024 , pp. 93 - 98
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Stefan Linton takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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