title: An unusual cause of T tube obstruction: 'tricho-tracheobezoar'.
abstract: A T tube is an upper airway device well described in the literature which is used to maintain tracheal lumen patency. Although tube occlusion is a known complication, it can be minimized by certain precautions. Otherwise, total occlusion can result in dramatic clinical deterioration or death. Herein, we describe a new clinical entity, 'tricho-tracheobezoar', using a new term defining a hairball in the trachea, which illustrates many of the potential pitfalls in the management of T tubes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Bumrungrad International, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Wudthichai
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Suttithawil
authors.forename: Demet
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Karnak
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Machuzak
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Gildea
authors.forename: Atul C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D001630:Bezoars / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy