Postintubation tracheal rupture – a case report

Overview

Authors describe a case of complicated tonsillectomy. Late massive bleeding from tonsillar bed followed by hemorrhagic shock and unconsciousness occurred in a young otherwise healthy patient who underwent tonsillectomy in a small hospital. The patient was transferred to the department of surgery of regional hospital where urgent surgery was performed. As ENT specialist was not immediately available, unsuccessful attempt to control bleeding was accomplished by a surgeon and the patient was then transferred to the ENT Department of the University Hospital Olomouc where the bleeding was successfully controlled and patient’s circulation stabilized. The course was complicated by tracheal rupture postoperatively which necessitated further surgical treatment and prolonged artificial ventilation. Airway had to be secured with double-lumen tube. The patient was dismissed after tracheal rupture had healed. Authors discuss tracheal rupture following intubation and its treatment in a patient with other complications.

Key words:
tonsillectomy – bleeding – tracheal rupture – ventilator-associated pneumonia