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.

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