American journal of otolaryngology
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Selective conservative management of penetrating neck trauma is a commonly adopted procedure to manage patients of such trauma. However, at places where trauma services are inadequate on different counts and a low-intensity military conflict is on, relevance of this approach without compromising the safety and well-being of the patient remains to be evaluated. ⋯ Selective conservative management is a cost-effective approach for penetrating neck trauma even in areas where there is relative paucity of advanced trauma services. These results further reinforce the validity of careful physical examination as a reliable tool to guide further management without necessarily resorting to expensive and at times difficult to do diagnostic tests.