External laryngotracheal trauma in children

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A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
04:46

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation

Published on: January 18, 2011

M Kurien1, N Zachariah

  • 1Department of ENT, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India. kurien123@hotmail.com

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|September 30, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Acute external laryngotracheal trauma in children is rare but challenging. Tracheostomy and early surgery are key treatments, with a proposed protocol to guide management for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • External laryngotracheal trauma in children is uncommon.
  • It poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric external laryngotracheal trauma.
  • To develop a straightforward and effective management protocol for this emergency.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case series involving 12 pediatric patients (ages 2-14).
  • Analysis correlated clinical presentation with conservative management, tracheostomy, and surgical interventions.
  • All open injury cases underwent tracheostomy, upper endoscopy, and neck exploration.

Main Results:

  • Breathing difficulty and stridor were the most frequent symptoms.
  • In open injuries, 25% developed subglottic stenosis; in closed injuries, 13% developed glottic stenosis.
  • No mortality was observed; tracheostomy and early surgical intervention were crucial.

Conclusions:

  • Tracheostomy and prompt surgical intervention are recommended for acute external laryngotracheal trauma in children.
  • A management protocol based on clinical presentation criteria is proposed for effective emergency care.

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