Open AccessCase of difficult tracheostomy tube insertion: A novel yet simple solution to the dilemma
Author(s) -
Hemani Ahuja,
Ashu Sara Mathai,
Reetika Chander,
Amy E Mathew
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
al-banǧ. maqālāt wa abḥāṯ fī al-taẖdīr wa-al-in’āš
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0259-1162
DOI - 10.4103/0259-1162.123272
Subject(s) - medicine , tube (container) , stoma (medicine) , surgery , tracheostomy tube , subcutaneous emphysema , endotracheal tube , airway , intubation , complication , materials science , composite material
Difficulties arising during tracheostomy tube insertion can be rapidly fatal if the airway is not adequately controlled. We report a case of difficult tracheostomy in a gentleman with severe subcutaneous emphysema following a previously failed tracheostomy attempt. Tracheostomy tube insertion through the pre-existing stoma failed repeatedly due to rapidly increasing distance of trachea from the skin and unexpected false passages; however, the trachea was eventually cannulated using a regular endotracheal tube.