Anaesthetic management of a patient with complete tracheal rupture following blunt chest trauma

• DOI: 10.4103/0971-9784.41582
• Publication Date: 2009-02-19T08:55:08Z
• Authors: Saikat Sengupta; Anjol Saikia; Suresh Ramasubban; Shaikat Gupta; Sudipta Maitra; Amitava Rudra; Gaurab Maitra
• Keywords: Endotracheal tube; Tracheal tube

Complete tracheal resection is extremely rare after blunt chest trauma. A high degree of suspicion essential to identify these cases and early intervention associated with better outcome. We report a patient complete resection, in whom the airway was secured whilst remained awake, breathing spontaneously under fibreoptic bronchoscopic guidance. As precautionary measure, we had kept cardiopulmonary bypass set up readiness. Anaesthetic management needed be modified during repair trachea, by using total intravenous anaesthesia propofol rocuronium infusion insertion separate endotracheal tube into distal portion trachea reconstruction took place. The usual inhalational technique could not used. anaesthesiologist managing such case should aware difficulties securing trachea. Proper planning keeping back-up plans ready helps successful patients.