Emergent intubation induced iatrogenic tracheoesophageal fistula

Authors : Süreyya TALAY, Emre Can MERMİ, Levent ENVER

Pages : 206-210

View : 79 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2019-12-26

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :We report a case of a rare complication of emergent entubation in a trauma patient; symptomatic tracheoesophageal fistula. A 53 years old, obese, female patient with a history of falling down from a hieght was evaluated at the emergency department. Patient was immidiately entubated in an outer medical center by her severely detoriorated neurological status. A cardiopulmonary resusitation was also reported to be successfully at the same center. In our clinic, cranial computerised tomography scans revaled deep inracranial hemorrhage and parenchymal edema of occipital lobe. We observed an excessive amount of liquid drainage from tracheal aspiration at the sixth day of treatment. This liquid aspiration material also warned us for a suspicion of gastric juice/gastric feeding ingredients. Thus, we performed an endoscopic examination of trachea to clearify a possible fistula existance. This evaluation proved a proximally located TEF which we belived to be creating a passage from gastric content to tracheal/pulmonary side. Thoracic surgery consultation resulted with a decision of conservative medical treatment because of her severe neurological status. After a tracheostomy cannula insertion, TEF complications reduced by a possible direct closure effect of a compression from the cannula. Patients neurological and clinical status healed gradually by a month of treatment. Patient was transferred to thoracic surgery department with her tracheostomy cannula by the end of this period for elective surgery. We believe that, especially for trauma patients, intubation difficulties and several attempts may always carry a risk of TEF creation. Clinical suspicion of TEF must be clearifed in every case by endoscopic direct evaluation or other appropriate radiological methods such as multislice CT and magnetic resonance imaging. Existance of TEF indicates early definitive surgical repair. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach with participations of thoracic surgery, pulmonology, radiology and gastroenterology is essential during intensive unit treatment.
Keywords : iatrogenic trauma

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