title: Combined laryngotracheal separation and esophageal injury following blunt neck trauma.
abstract: In this article we describe the first case of combined laryngotracheal and esophageal injury following blunt neck trauma in the otolaryngology literature and delineate appropriate management considerations. Successful reconstruction requires appropriate airway management, restoration of esophageal and laryngeal mucosal integrity, and reduction of tracheal and laryngeal fractures with appropriate stenting. Laryngotracheal separation following blunt neck trauma is rare and can be initially overlooked. After the airway is secure, injury severity dictates repair and postoperative care. Immediate reconstruction with restoration of the laryngotracheal framework and mucosal integrity enables patients to recover a patent airway, functional voice, and normal swallow.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bernat
authors.forename: Jeffrey M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Keane
authors.forename: Edmund A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Pribitkin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014132:Trachea / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*