Failed extubation of a double-lumen tube requiring a cricoid split.
Following a five-hour procedure, it was not possible to remove a double-lumen endobronchial tube that had been placed to facilitate the removal of a massive spleen from a 45-year-old female. The tube had been passed easily at the start of surgery, but was firmly stuck at the level of the cricoid at the end of surgery. Surgical removal of the tube by a cricoid split was required 48 hours later. Consideration of previous airway manipulations, careful choice of airway devices and regular checks of airway patency around tracheal tubes during lengthy procedures may prevent similar events in the future.
Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4029.
D J
DJ
Probert
J G
JG
Hardman
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013156:Splenectomy; D014139:Tracheostomy