Flexible bronchoscopic removal of a fractured metallic tracheostomy tube.

Patients frequently require a tracheostomy for a variety of indications, but its prolonged use is associated with several complications, including fracture of the tube. Metallic tracheostomy tubes, which are often used in developing countries, are predisposed to such a complication essentially because of corrosion from prolonged used. We report 2 cases of a fractured tracheostomy tube inserted into the central airways, with different clinical presentations. Fractured pieces were successfully removed using a flexible bronchoscope under topical anesthesia.