Fractured tracheostomy tube presenting as a foreign body in a paediatric patient

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Anesthesiology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Tracheostomy is a common procedure in pediatric patients requiring long-term airway support.
• Complications such as tracheostomy tube fracture can lead to significant morbidity.
• Fracture at the tube-neck plate junction poses a risk of airway obstruction.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old child with a 5-year history of tracheostomy presented with a fractured tracheostomy tube.
• The fractured segment impacted the trachea and right main bronchus.
• The fracture occurred at the junction of the tube and neck plate.

Findings:

• Rigid bronchoscopy was successfully employed to retrieve the fractured tracheostomy tube.
• The procedure was performed through the existing tracheostomy stoma.
• Anesthetic management strategies for this critical event were detailed.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of vigilance for tracheostomy tube integrity, especially in long-term use.
• Prompt diagnosis and intervention, such as rigid bronchoscopy, are crucial for managing airway emergencies.
• Effective anesthetic management is vital during the retrieval of foreign bodies from the pediatric airway.