title: [Fractured tracheostomy tube: a rare cause of respiratory distress in the tracheotomized child. Case report].
abstract: Fracture and migration of the tracheotomy tube in the tracheobronchial tree is an uncommon complication of tracheotomy. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential because of the potential risk of fatal respiratory obstruction. Diagnosis should be suspected in all tracheotomized children undergoing breathing difficulties. It is confirmed by chest x-ray and endoscopic examination. The recommended treatment includes the endoscopic removal of the aspirated cannula through the tracheal stoma. We describe the clinical presentation and the management of a broken tracheotomy tube which was presented as a foreign body in the airway of a 18-month-old child. Recommendations for tracheostomy care are listed.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología Infantil, Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires.
authors.forename: Giselle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cuestas
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Materno Infantil, San Isidro.
authors.forename: Juan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital Materno Infantil, San Isidro, Argentina.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pena
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología Infantil, Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires.
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Razetti
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D014132:Trachea / Q000503:physiopathology; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*