BACKGROUND: Postintubation tracheobronchial rupture is usually responsible for unstable intraoperative or postoperative conditions, and its management is discussed. We insist on conservative treatment as a viable alternative after late diagnosis of postintubation tracheobronchial rupture. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including 14 consecutive patients treated between April 1981 and July 1998. RESULTS: Twelve tracheobronchial ruptures occurred after intubation for general surgery and two after thoracic surgery. In all cases, the tear consisted of a linear laceration of the posterior membranous wall of the tracheobronchial tree ranging from 2 to 6 cm. One death occurred in a very weak patient unfit to undergo a redo operation for surgical repair. Seven patients were treated conservatively and cured without sequelae. Six patients underwent surgical repair, of whom 2 were diagnosed and repaired intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive surgical repair is not always mandatory after delayed diagnosis of iatrogenic tracheobronchial rupture. Conservative treatment must often be considered, except after lung resection.
BACKGROUND: Postintubation tracheobronchial rupture is usually responsible for unstable intraoperative or postoperative conditions, and its management is discussed. We insist on conservative treatment as a viable alternative after late diagnosis of postintubation tracheobronchial rupture. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including 14 consecutive patients treated between April 1981 and July 1998. RESULTS: Twelve tracheobronchial ruptures occurred after intubation for general surgery and two after thoracic surgery. In all cases, the tear consisted of a linear laceration of the posterior membranous wall of the tracheobronchial tree ranging from 2 to 6 cm. One death occurred in a very weak patient unfit to undergo a redo operation for surgical repair. Seven patients were treated conservatively and cured without sequelae. Six patients underwent surgical repair, of whom 2 were diagnosed and repaired intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive surgical repair is not always mandatory after delayed diagnosis of iatrogenic tracheobronchial rupture. Conservative treatment must often be considered, except after lung resection.
Authors: Christian A Kuhne; Gernot M Kaiser; Sascha Flohe; Martin Beiderlinden; Hilmar Kuehl; Gregor A Stavrou; Christian Waydhas; Sven Lendemanns; Thomas Paffrath; Dieter Nast-Kolb Journal: Surg Today Date: 2005 Impact factor: 2.549
Authors: Alfonso Fiorelli; Roberto Cascone; Davide Di Natale; Matteo Pierdiluca; Rossella Mastromarino; Giovanni Natale; Emanuele De Ruberto; Gaetana Messina; Giovanni Vicidomini; Mario Santini Journal: J Vis Surg Date: 2017-08-21