title: Novel approach to management of a posterior tracheal tear complicating percutaneous tracheostomy.
abstract: We treated a patient who developed a posterior tracheal wall perforation and severe respiratory compromise following percutaneous tracheostomy, using a covered expandable metallic stent. The stent was deployed under direct vision using rigid and fibreoptic bronchoscopy. The defect was sealed and the right lung, which had been collapsed, was re-expanded. The patient was subsequently weaned from mechanical ventilation. Late complications included halitosis, which was treated with nebulized colistin sulphate, and the development of intratracheal granulation tissue, which was cleared using low power (10 W) Nd:YAG laser.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK. adassa.savizon@stgeorges.nhs.uk
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Madden
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sheth
authors.forename: T B L
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: McAnulty
mesh_terms: D001999:Bronchoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012421:Rupture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D015607:Stents; D014132:Trachea / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*