Combined transection of the trachea and esophagus following cervical blunt trauma

Combined tracheoesophageal transection after blunt neck trauma

Survival following tracheoesophageal transection is uncommon. Establishing a secure airway has the highest priority in trauma management. Understanding the mechanism of the incident can be a useful adjunct in predicting the likelihood and severity of specific anatomical patterns of injuries. We discuss published literature on combined tracheoesophageal injuries after blunt neck trauma and their outcome. A search of MEDLINE for papers published regarding tracheoesophageal injury was made. The literature search identified 14 such articles referring to a total of 27 patients. Age ranged from 3-73 years. The mechanism of injury was secondary to a rope/wire in 33%, metal bar in 4% of cases and unspecified in 63%. All of the patients were managed surgically. A number of tissues were used to protect the anastomosis including pleural and sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps. There were no reported mortalities. Patients with combined tracheoesophageal injury after blunt neck trauma require acute management of airway along with concomitant occult injuries.

An unusual presentation of stridor: blunt pediatric laryngotracheal trauma

A case report is presented to review pediatric blunt laryngotracheal trauma. The common presenting symptoms of stridor and respiratory distress and their implications for the pediatric trauma patient are discussed. Use of computed tomography and direct endoscopy of the airway should help optimize airway management in these patients.

Tracheal rupture following blunt chest trauma presenting as endotracheal tube obstruction

In this report, we describe a patient in whom a tracheal tear followed blunt thoracic trauma. The diagnosis was made late resulting in problems with ventilation, endotracheal tube obstruction and cardiac arrest. Difficulties with early recognition of tracheobronchial injuries may be caused by non-specific findings as well as the lack of exposure of physicians to patients with these injuries. The signs and symptoms of tracheobronchial injuries are described, as well as their differential diagnoses. A review of airway management has been made as it requires combined anaesthetic and surgical expertise. Injuries of the trachea may have severe, life-threatening consequences and early diagnosis and management reduce morbidity and mortality.