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Published on: March 15, 2024
Conservative management of iatrogenic tracheal rupture in a 19-month-old child
Tugba Acer-Demir1, Esra Elif Arslan1
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
This study reports the first pediatric case of iatrogenic tracheal rupture during rigid bronchoscopy successfully treated conservatively. The child recovered spontaneously without intubation, highlighting a less invasive approach for tracheal lacerations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Respiratory Medicine
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Iatrogenic tracheal rupture is a rare but serious complication during rigid bronchoscopy in children.
- Historically, surgical repair was the standard treatment for tracheal lacerations.
Observation:
- A 19-month-old girl sustained a 0.5-cm longitudinal mucosal laceration of the trachea during foreign body removal via rigid bronchoscopy.
- The child maintained adequate spontaneous respiration post-injury.
Findings:
- Conservative management was initiated due to sufficient spontaneous respiration, avoiding endotracheal intubation.
- The patient recovered fully without surgical intervention, marking the first reported case of its kind.
Implications:
- This case suggests that conservative management may be a viable option for pediatric tracheal lacerations when spontaneous respiration is adequate.
- It challenges the traditional approach favoring early surgical repair in such pediatric cases.
- Further evidence supporting conservative treatment could refine clinical guidelines for managing iatrogenic tracheal injuries.
Abstract:
Up to date, only five cases of iatrogenic tracheal rupture during rigid bronchoscopy have been reported in children. Herein, we report the first case who has recovered with spontaneous respiration without intubation. Rigid bronchoscopy of a 19-month-old girl revealed a foreign body at the right main bronchus. While the bronchoscope was being withdrawn, we identified a 0.5-cm longitudinal mucosal laceration along the right wall of the membranous trachea. As her spontaneous respiration was adequate, she was treated conservatively. For the treatment of tracheal lacerations, while early surgical repair has traditionally been acceptable, evidence supporting conservative treatment is increasing, particularly in paediatric cases. If spontaneous respiration is sufficient, bridging the laceration with an endotracheal tube may not be required.
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