Surgical emphysema following percutaneous tracheostomy.
We report two patients in whom a Portex GWDFT was complicated by surgical emphysema. Subsequent examination revealed posterior tracheal wall tears in these patients. The exact aetiology of these tears is unknown, although the tracheostomy tube introducer may have been implicated. We suggest a management plan for this complication.
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Wellington Hospital, New Zealand.
W E
WE
Douglas
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A
Flabouris
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D014132:Trachea / Q000293:injuries*; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods