Case of difficult tracheostomy tube insertion: A novel yet simple solution to the dilemma

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.