[Tracheal laceration during intubation with a Frova introducer]

Chest trauma is the most frequent cause of tracheobronchial injury. Less common but potentially serious are lesions caused during intubation maneuvers in a difficult airway, during repeated attempts, or with stylets or other introducers. Though rare, airway lesions are life-threatening complications. We describe the case of a 46-year-old woman undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy whose trachea was injured during intubation with a Frova introducer. The lesion manifested with hemoptysis and subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema early during recovery. The lesion resolved with conservative treatment and there were no sequelae.