To Be Cautious or Not: Tension Pneumothorax After First Tracheostomy Tube Exchange

Tracheostomy tube change is a relatively common procedure once a tracheo-cutaneous tract matures. Regular tracheostomy tube changes prevent the formation of granulation tissue and reduce bacterial colonization (Yaremchuk and Yaremchuk in Laryngoscope 113(1):1-10, 2003). However, serious complications such as subcutaneous emphysema, loss of airway and mediastinitis, can occur if the tube exchange is performed inappropriately. We present a rare association of tension pneumothorax following a tracheostomy tube exchange in a 50-year-old patient who underwent tracheotomy 3 days back. The patient was successfully managed conservatively with chest tube and supportive care.