Abstract
Background: Tracheobronchial rupture is an uncommon but a potentially serious complication of endotracheal intubation. In this study, diagnosis and treatment strategies of a specific group of ruptures caused by double-lumen tube intubation is presented.
Methods: The medical records of 18 patients diagnosed and treated for tracheobronchial rupture after double-lumen tube intubation between January 1999 and October 2010 is analyzed retrospectively.
Results: In all cases, the rupture occurred at the membranous part. The average length of the laceration was 2.44±1.78 cm. The most common localization of the rupture was at the lower third of the trachea (n=7, 39%) or at the left mainstem bronchus (n=7, 39%). One patient was diagnosed before the incision by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and 17 patients by direct vision of the rupture intraoperatively. All patients are treated successfully with surgery. There was not any morbidity or mortality recorded related to the tracheobronchial rupture.
Conclusions: The thoracic surgeons must be alerted for any tarcheobronchial rupture in patients that are intubated by double-lumen tube which is commonly used for thoracic operations. Immediate repair must be performed for any laceration which is diagnosed intraoperatively.
- © 2011 ERS
