[Iatrogenic tracheal rupture after endotracheal intubation]

Abstract

Tracheobronchial rupture after tracheal intubation is rare in clinical practice. Possible contributory factors are multiple vigorous attempts at intubation, overinflation of the cuff, anatomic alterations, and predisposing individual factors. These lesions can be detected by bronchoscopy, which is the most effective method to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact location and extent of the tear. We report the case of a woman with membranous tracheal rupture after endotracheal intubation. Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and bilateral pneumothorax were noted after extubation. The diagnosis was confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and computed tomography scan, and the patient required emergency surgical repair.