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Tracheal injury during endoscopic hemithyroidectomy
1Department of Anaesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, India. ckpandey@sgpgi.ac.in
Summary
Unsuspected tracheal injury can occur during endoscopic hemithyroidectomy. Prompt diagnosis and management, including tracheostomy and antibiotics, led to complete healing without complications.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- General Surgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Endoscopic hemithyroidectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
- Tracheal injury is a rare but serious complication of neck surgery.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to significant morbidity.
Observation:
- A case of unsuspected tracheal injury following endoscopic hemithyroidectomy is presented.
- The injury was not immediately apparent due to a lack of typical symptoms.
- Diagnosis was delayed, necessitating a change in the initial management plan.
Findings:
- The patient developed an infection, which precluded immediate surgical repair of the tracheal injury.
- Management involved the use of a tracheostomy tube and antibiotic therapy.
- The tracheal injury and surgical wound healed completely.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering tracheal injury even with subtle or absent symptoms after endoscopic neck procedures.
- Conservative management with tracheostomy and antibiotics can be effective for tracheal injuries.
- Vigilant monitoring and tailored treatment are crucial for managing unexpected surgical complications.