Video-Assisted Transcervical-Transtracheal Repair for Post-Intubation Tracheal Laceration

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Reports
• Pulmonology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Post-intubation tracheal laceration (PITL) is an uncommon yet severe complication following endotracheal intubation.
• Subcutaneous emphysema is a potential indicator of tracheal injury, necessitating prompt evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of significant subcutaneous emphysema secondary to elective intubation.
• To emphasize the critical importance of early diagnosis and management of PITL.
• To highlight tracheostomy as a valuable endoscopic approach for managing tracheal injuries.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a patient experiencing subcutaneous emphysema after elective intubation.
• Review of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for post-intubation tracheal injuries.
• Discussion of the surgical technique involving tracheostomy for enhanced endoscopic visualization and intervention.

Main Results:

• The case demonstrated significant subcutaneous emphysema, indicative of a tracheal injury.
• Timely recognition and appropriate management led to a favorable outcome.
• Tracheostomy facilitated improved surgical field visibility and operative maneuverability.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of subcutaneous emphysema is vital for diagnosing PITL.
• Prompt and effective treatment strategies are essential for managing this life-threatening condition.
• Tracheostomy offers significant advantages for endoscopic management of post-intubation tracheal lacerations.