[Post-intubation tracheal lacerations during cervical spine surgery: about 3 cases]

We report 3 rare cases of post-intubation tracheal lacerations detected during cervical spine surgery. Our study involved 3 patients aged 27, 30 and 42 years admitted to the operating room for total thyroidectomy for heterogeneous multinodular goitre under general anesthesia. Orotracheal intubation using 7.5 rigid guide probe and balloon cuff was performed. During surgery we discovered a protrusion of the balloon cuff at the surgical site through posterolateral tracheal rupture. The treatment was based on closure of the tracheal rupture in 2 cases and on surgical abstention in the third case, followed by a drainage of the thyroid lodge. The postoperative course was uneventful. Post-intubation tracheal lacerations are rare. Intraoperative detection during cervical spine surgery is exceptional. They have multiple causes: intubation difficulties, membranous rupture caused by probe beak, by a rigid guide, coughing effort with inflated balloon at the awakening, balloon hyperinflation, structural and anatomical changes of the trachea in patients with chronic goiter. There is no consensus about treatment.