Management of tracheal stenosis after corrosive acid ingestion: A case report

Hıdır Esme1, Hasan Doğan1

  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Konya Training and Research Hospital, Konya-Turkey.

Insights

Accidental acidic cleaning agent ingestion caused rare tracheal stenosis in a child. Timely stent placement and repair significantly improved airway function, offering life-saving intervention for this critical condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Corrosive injury to the digestive tract is common, but airway damage is less documented.
  • Tracheal stenosis following corrosive acid ingestion is exceptionally rare, especially in pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old girl presented with airway compromise three weeks after ingesting an acidic cleaning agent.
  • Rigid bronchoscopy revealed significant tracheal stenosis and laceration.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent serial dilations, surgical repair of tracheal laceration, and temporary placement of a polyurethane-coated nitinol stent.
  • Successful stent placement provided critical airway improvement.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe, life-threatening airway complications from corrosive ingestions.
  • Accurate stent placement can be a life-saving intervention in pediatric tracheal stenosis due to corrosive injury.

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