Tracheal laceration due to elective intubation and its treatment with endotracheal stenting

Abstract

Tracheal laceration as a result of elective intubation is a rarely seen complication with a high mortality. An eighty-one years old, female patient who was followed in the intensive care unit and treated with mechanical ventilation, developed subcutaneous emphysema after intubation. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy performed via the endotracheal tube revealed laceration in the trachea 5 cm in length. The urgent rigid bronchoscopy has been performed and one silicone straight stent and a covered metallic bifurcated stent have been inserted. The araea of laceration has been covered totally. The subcutaneous emphysema disappeared incrementally and after weaning period the patient discharged to the ward.