Harpoon Suicide Attempt: A Dramatic Experience of the Multidisciplinary Approach

Abstract

Craniofacial harpoon injuries are extremely rare, especially when caused by attempted suicide. The approach to surgical removal becomes dependent on the characteristics of the device, with or without barbs on the spear, and its path, which presents with significant changes between accidents and suicide attempts. This report presents the successful treatment carried out in a dramatic case of harpoon suicide attempt. The approaches to complete and cautious removal of the spear from the occipital region, reconstruction of the orbital cavity, evisceration of the left eyeball due to amaurosis and psychiatric follow-up were successful, which allowed the restoration of the patient's physical and mental health.