Tracheal ring fracture and early tracheomalacia following percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is increasingly popular within intensive care units for patients who need prolonged ventilatory support. Significant complications are rare.


METHODS
Our patient suffered tracheal ring fracture and early tracheomalacia following this procedure. These complications are demonstrated in our accompanying video.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to common beliefs, tracheal rings are commonly fractured during the PDT procedure. The consequent granulation can lead to tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia.
Ho
Eu Chin
EC
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5AN, UK. euchinho@yahoo.co.uk
Kapila
Atul
A
Colquhoun-Flannery
William
W