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Updated: May 1, 2026

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Perioperative and intensive care management of pediatric tracheal tear
Sanjay M Bhananker1, Ramesh Ramaiah1
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, P.O. Box 359724, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
Insights
This case study highlights the complex management of a rare tracheal tear in a child with severe polytrauma. Prompt surgical intervention for intracranial bleeding preceded the diagnosis and repair of the tracheobronchial injury.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Tracheal tears are rare, life-threatening injuries often complicated by polytrauma.
- Management requires careful consideration of concurrent life-threatening conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a unique case of a pediatric tracheal tear managed amidst severe polytrauma.
- To discuss the challenges and strategies in perioperative care for such injuries.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 7-year-old male with high-speed motor vehicle collision injuries.
- Initial emergent craniotomy for intracranial bleed management.
- Delayed diagnosis and surgical repair of tracheobronchial injury after patient stabilization.
Main Results:
- Successful management of extensive pneumomediastinum and tracheal injury.
- Patient survived multiple severe injuries including head trauma and facial fractures.
- Tracheal repair performed on hospital day 4 after initial stabilization.
Conclusions:
- Tracheal injury management in polytrauma requires a staged approach.
- Multidisciplinary care is crucial for optimizing outcomes in complex pediatric trauma cases.
- Early recognition and timely intervention are key for life-threatening tracheobronchial injuries.
Abstract:
Management of tracheal tears can prove to be challenging in the perioperative setting. This is a rare condition that can be life threatening. Here, we present a case of seven-year-old boy involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision. The child sustained multiple injuries including a near fatal head injury, multiple facial fractures, and a tracheal injury associated with pneumomediastinum. Due to the imminent threat of brainstem herniation while being imaged in the CT scanner, the patient underwent an emergent craniotomy to evacuate his evolving intracranial bleed. Imaging prior to the craniectomy suggested a possible tracheal injury, given the extensive pneumomediastinum. However, initial perioperative ventilation was without any difficulty. After stabilization of intracranial pressure (ICP) and hemodynamics, on hospital day 4, the patient returned to the operating room to diagnose and repair his tracheobronchial injury. This is a unique polytrauma case in which a tracheal tear was managed in the midst of other life-threatening injuries.
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