Open AccessDelayed complication of tracheocutaneous fistula closure with severe compromising subcutaneous emphysema
Author(s) -
Robert J. Lewis,
Ari Mandler,
Geovanny F. Pérez,
Pamela Mudd
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr-2019-229526
Subject(s) - medicine , subcutaneous emphysema , pneumomediastinum , surgery , complication , fistula , mediastinal emphysema
We report a significant complication after tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) excision with closure by secondary intention in a 4-year-old boy who had been tracheostomy dependent since infancy. He had a persistent 3 mm TCF one year after decannulation. On postoperative day 2 the patient developed profound subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. He was extubated after 2 days and discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 7. At follow up he had complete resolution of subcutaneous emphysema and complete closure of the TCF. The main methods of TCF closure and management of subcutaneous emphysema are discussed along with the lessons learned from this case.