TY - JOUR
AR - IJSCR-2020-3-110
TI - Uvula Strangulation: A Rare Case of Hair Thread Tourniquet Syndrome
AU - Joseph , Stansfield
AU - J , Coey
AU - O , Mirza
AU - S , Loughran
JO - International Journal of Surgical Case Reports
PY - 2020
DA - Fri 04, Sep 2020
SN - 2674-4171
DO - http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.IJSCR.2020.03.10
UR - https://www.sciencerepository.org/uvula-strangulation-a-rare-case-of-hair-thread-tourniquet-syndrome_IJSCR-2020-3-110 
KW - Hair thread tourniquet syndrome, uvula ischaemia, management of hair tourniquet, syndrome
AB - Hair thread tourniquet syndrome is a rare but previously well-documented presentation. It is described as
circumferential strangulation of distal or multiple distal appendages, which can lead to tissue ischaemia and
eventually necrosis without prompt treatment. Despite the characteristic presentation and potential for
serious complications, many healthcare professionals remain unaware of hair tourniquet syndrome and the
need for urgent management. We present the case of a 9-month-old infant who presented to the emergency
department. The parent noted a long hair emanating from the mouth but on attempts to remove it was unable
to do so. The child was otherwise stable. Examination on the oral cavity revealed the hair strand tightly
wrapped around an oedematous and congested uvula. Attempts to remove the ligature in the emergency
department were unsuccessful and a subsequent referral to otolaryngology was made. A decision was made
to take the child to the operating theatre, where the ligature was successfully removed with the distal uvula
remaining viable.