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Life-threatening tracheal obstruction from mucosal flap.
Alfonso Fiorelli1, Gaetana Messina1, Damiano Capaccio2
1Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|October 1, 2025
Summary
An 83-year-old man experienced severe airway obstruction after intubation due to a mobile tracheal flap. Rigid bronchoscopy successfully removed the flap, restoring the patient's airway and preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Airway obstruction can be a life-threatening complication following endotracheal intubation.
- Mobile tracheal flaps are a rare cause of acute respiratory distress after extubation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an uncommon case of airway obstruction caused by a mobile tracheal flap.
- To describe the successful management of this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- A case report of an 83-year-old male patient with difficult intubation.
- Diagnostic bronchoscopy to identify the cause of obstruction.
- Rigid bronchoscopy with mechanical removal of the tracheal flap.
Main Results:
- The patient developed acute respiratory distress, stridor, and hypoxemia post-extubation.
- Bronchoscopy revealed a mobile tracheal flap causing severe obstruction.
- Mechanical removal of the flap via rigid bronchoscopy successfully restored airway patency.
Conclusions:
- Mobile tracheal flaps can cause critical airway obstruction after extubation.
- Rigid bronchoscopy is an effective treatment for mobile tracheal flap obstruction.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in such cases.
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