The burned trachea

Abstract

Tracheal burns caused by thermal or chemical injuries are uncommon, but they can be difficult to manage. A high index of suspicion is required for early detection of these injuries. Acutely, they are often life threatening unless they are diagnosed quickly and managed properly. Tracheal burn injuries can lead to long-term stenoses, which require specialized surgical techniques and chronic therapy--often with Montgomery T-tubes--for their proper management.