Rainer O Seidl1, Ingo Todt, Martin Westhofen, Arne Ernst. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at UKB, Free University of Berlin,Warener Strasse 7, D-12683 Berlin, Germany. ROSeidl@UKB.DE
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tracheal ruptures and tracheoesophageal injuries are rare, but life-threatening complications can arise during ventilation. METHOD: A retrospective study of all burned patients placed on a ventilator between 2000 and 2005 (n=1693) identified two patients (0.1%) with a tracheal rupture and tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF). The diagnoses were confirmed using endoscopy and computed tomography. The tracheal and oesophageal defects were treated surgically immediately after diagnosis using a collar approach. RESULTS: In all cases, withdrawal of ventilation proceeded without problems. Depending on their underlying condition, patients were transferred to normal wards with adequate spontaneous breathing and oral feeding. CONCLUSION: Tracheal rupture and tracheoesophageal injury following orotracheal intubation is a rare complication in patients with burns (0.1% incidence). Following diagnosis, immediate surgical intervention is effective without further complications.
INTRODUCTION: Tracheal ruptures and tracheoesophageal injuries are rare, but life-threatening complications can arise during ventilation. METHOD: A retrospective study of all burned patients placed on a ventilator between 2000 and 2005 (n=1693) identified two patients (0.1%) with a tracheal rupture and tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF). The diagnoses were confirmed using endoscopy and computed tomography. The tracheal and oesophageal defects were treated surgically immediately after diagnosis using a collar approach. RESULTS: In all cases, withdrawal of ventilation proceeded without problems. Depending on their underlying condition, patients were transferred to normal wards with adequate spontaneous breathing and oral feeding. CONCLUSION:Tracheal rupture and tracheoesophageal injury following orotracheal intubation is a rare complication in patients with burns (0.1% incidence). Following diagnosis, immediate surgical intervention is effective without further complications.