Tracheal tube obstruction in a case of concealed tracheomalacia--a case report.

We report on the successful mangement of airway obstruction, immediately after tracheal intubation for elective operation, in a patient with concealed tracheomalacia. We discuss the issues posed in patients with mild or undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that are relevant to tracheomalacia. We underline the link between tracheomalacia and COPD and emphasize the high level of awareness needed, in order to avoid or manage promptly adverse events during airway management for anesthesia in these patients.