Tracheal stenting for rupture of the posterior wall of the trachea following percutaneous tracheostomy.

Perforation of the posterior wall of the trachea during percutaneous tracheostomy is a recognised complication. Treatment by either conservative or surgical management has been described. We report two patients who developed posterior tracheal wall perforation following percutaneous tracheostomy who were successfully treated by insertion of covered, expandable metallic stents. This is a well tolerated procedure that has minimal complications and can be performed at the bedside. We recommend that tracheal stenting should be considered for the management of posterior tracheal wall perforation following percutaneous tracheostomy in those patients unsuitable for surgical intervention.