Anesthetic management of a patient with an unusual broken tracheostomy tube: a case report

• Published in: Journal of international medical research Vol. 47; no. 2; pp. 718 - 721
• Main Authors: Bo, Li-Jun, Yu, Pei-Xia, Qi, Xiang, Kang, Rong-Tian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.02.2019; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Case reports; Clinical Research Reports; Inpatient care; Ostomy; spontaneous breathing; topical anesthesia; Tracheostomy tube; general anesthesia; airway; foreign body
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060518809251

Objective This study was performed to investigate the management of general anesthesia in an unusual case involving a patient with a broken tracheostomy tube presenting as an airway foreign body. Methods We herein describe the anesthetic management of a patient with a broken tracheostomy tube. A 77-year-old Chinese man who had been involved in a car accident underwent a tracheostomy. One year later, he presented with cough and bleeding at the tracheostomy site. Preoperative evaluation revealed that the metal tracheostomy tube was lodged in his left main bronchus. General anesthesia was induced to maintain spontaneous breathing, and adequate topical anesthesia of the airway was administered. Results The metal tracheostomy tube was successful removed, and a new tracheal tube was put in place. Conclusions General anesthesia to maintain spontaneous breathing and adequate topical anesthesia of the airway can be safely used when removing broken tracheostomy tubes.