Korean J Anesthesiol.  2008 Apr;54(4):454-458. 10.4097/kjae.2008.54.4.454.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient with Complete Tracheal Transection by Blunt Trauma: A case report

• Shim HS
• Noe MH
• Kim IK
• Shin MK
• Lee SH

• KMID: 1763290
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2008.54.4.454

Abstract

Tracheobronchial rupture due to blunt chest trauma is an uncommon injury and the clinical presentations are variable. Recently, the incidence of tracheobronchial injuries has increased with the increase in traffic accidents and mechanization.The early diagnosis and primary repair of tracheobronchial rupture not only restores normal lung function, but also avoids the difficulties and complications associated with delayed diagnosis and repair.We report our clinical experience in anesthetic management of a patient with complete tracheal transection suffering from progressive dyspnea, subcutaneous emphysema in the neck and anterior chest wall, and bilateral tension pneumothorax.The literature regarding accidental tracheal injuries will be reviewed.

Keyword

subcutaneous emphysema; tension pneumothorax; tracheal transection; tracheobronchial rupture

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Traffic
Delayed Diagnosis
Dyspnea
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Incidence
Lung
Neck
Rupture
Stress, Psychological
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Thoracic Wall
Thorax