title: Case of difficult tracheostomy tube insertion: A novel yet simple solution to the dilemma.
abstract: Difficulties arising during tracheostomy tube insertion can be rapidly fatal if the airway is not adequately controlled. We report a case of difficult tracheostomy in a gentleman with severe subcutaneous emphysema following a previously failed tracheostomy attempt. Tracheostomy tube insertion through the pre-existing stoma failed repeatedly due to rapidly increasing distance of trachea from the skin and unexpected false passages; however, the trachea was eventually cannulated using a regular endotracheal tube.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Hemani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ahuja
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Ashu S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Mathai
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Reetika
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chander
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Mathew
keywords: Endotracheal tube; subcutaneous emphysema; tracheostomy