Life-threatening tension pneumothorax after unsuccessful tracheostomy tube exchange in a trauma patient - A case report -
10.17085/apm.2020.15.1.124
- Author:
Min A KWON
1
;
Chaemin CHO
;
Jeong Heon PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
2020;15(1):124-128
- CountryRepublic of Korea
-
Abstract:
Background:Tracheostomy tube exchange is a common and safe procedure. However, when the tracheocutaneous tract is not completely mature, cannula exchange or endotracheal tube insertion via the tracheostomy site can rarely induce life-threatening complications, including subcutaneous emphysema, loss of airway, tension pneumothorax, and pneumoperitoneum.Case: We report a case of life-threatening tension pneumothorax developed during tracheostomy tube exchange with a reinforced endotracheal tube for a planned facial surgery after recent tracheostomy in a trauma patient.
Conclusions:Understanding of the pathogenesis and the use of preventive strategies based on it are expected to provide safer and more effective anesthetic management to patients with tracheostomy.
