Major Tracheal Injury with Head and Neck Emphysema Complicating Intubation in Elective Surgery: Diagnostic Aspects and Management in a Resource-Limited Setting

Ogondon B^1*, Kouame KE¹, Mahoungou Guimbi KC², Irie-bi G¹, N’da KC¹, Kouadio S¹, Boua N¹ and Brouh Y¹

¹Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Bouake Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Republic of Ivory Coast, West Africa

²Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Brazzaville Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Republic of Congo, West Africa

*Corresponding Author : Bernard Ogondon, MD
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Department, Bouake Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Republic of Ivory Coast, West Africa
Tel: 00225 58 00 52 87
E-mail: Ogondon.bernard@yahoo.fr

Received: December 26, 2016 Accepted: January 23, 2017 Published: January 31, 2017

Citation: Ogondon B, Kouame KE, Mahoungou Guimbi KC, Irie-bi G, N’da KC, et al. (2017) Major Tracheal Injury with Head and Neck Emphysema Complicating Intubation in Elective Surgery: Diagnostic Aspects and Management in a Resource-Limited Setting. Analg Resusc: Curr Res 6:1. doi:10.4172/2324-903X.1000145

Tracheal intubation complications in emergency circumstances are well known and may be serious. A 15 year-old girl underwent Killian tumour resection developed subcutaneous emphysema on extubation causing severe respiratory failure that required an emergency tracheotomy with insertion of the endotracheal tube. Emergency head and chest radiography performed in the operating room showed diffuse gaseous infiltration of the paraspinal soft tissues of the cervical region. Bronchoscopy performed on postoperative day 1 showed tracheal injury. Endotracheal tube was removed successfully on postoperative day 3 and the patient was discharged from the hospital. Otorhinolaryngology follow-up examination on postoperative day 7 was unremarkable.