A Case of Posterior Tracheal Wall Rupture During Tracheostomy Treated With Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Reinforcement

Author: In Kyeong CHOI ¹ ; Do Hyun CHUNG ; Do Won KIM ; Jungirl SEOK
Author Information

1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Publication Type:Case Report
From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2024;67(11):591-595
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:Korean
Abstract: A posterior tracheal wall rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication of tracheostomy. Several flaps based on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which has sufficient length and abundant blood supply, are utilized for the reconstruction of tracheal defects. We discuss here a case of a 71-year-old male with multiple organ failure and mental retardation, with posterior tracheal wall damage that had occurred during tracheostomy tube insertion. When planning the repair of the wound, additional reinforcement was necessary due to saliva leakage secondary to decreased consciousness. Direct suturing was followed by the reinforcement of SCM muscle transposition, which was conducted through cervical and endoscopic approach.