M Kurien1, R Raviraj, J Mathew, I Kaliaperumal, S Ninan. 1. Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Speech and Hearing, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India. ent2@cmcvellore.ac.in
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In an emergency, the non-availability of a conventional paediatric tracheostomy tube is a therapeutic challenge for the attending surgeon. OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple alternative to a paediatric tracheostomy tube for use in an emergency situation. METHOD: Case report of a 14-year-old boy who developed tracheomalacia following partial cricotracheal resection for subglottic stenosis. As a suitably sized tracheostomy tube (with a long narrow segment) was not available, an endotracheal tube was modified and used successfully. Details of the modification, and a relevant literature review, are also discussed. CONCLUSION: In the paediatric age group, when an appropriately sized tracheostomy tube is not available, a modified endotracheal tube is a simple temporary alternative; this may be especially useful in an emergency.
BACKGROUND: In an emergency, the non-availability of a conventional paediatric tracheostomy tube is a therapeutic challenge for the attending surgeon. OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple alternative to a paediatric tracheostomy tube for use in an emergency situation. METHOD: Case report of a 14-year-old boy who developed tracheomalacia following partial cricotracheal resection for subglottic stenosis. As a suitably sized tracheostomy tube (with a long narrow segment) was not available, an endotracheal tube was modified and used successfully. Details of the modification, and a relevant literature review, are also discussed. CONCLUSION: In the paediatric age group, when an appropriately sized tracheostomy tube is not available, a modified endotracheal tube is a simple temporary alternative; this may be especially useful in an emergency.