Management of postintubation tracheobronchial rupture: our experience and a review of the literature

Abstract

Iatrogenic tracheobronchial ruptures are rare but severe complications after intubation. Therefore, we evaluated the reasons, the therapy and the outcome of patients with postintubation tracheal rupture, who were admitted to our intensive care unit. We reviewed the literature of tracheal rupture after endotracheal intubation in respects of the risk factors, diagnosis, the possible mechanisms of the injury, and suggest strategies of management.