Successful surgical management of complete tracheal disruption due to penetrating injury

Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2002 May;50(5):213-5. doi: 10.1007/BF03032289.

Abstract

Successful management of penetrating injury to the trachea is rare, especially in Japan. A 32-year-old female attempted suicide by stabbing herself in the throat with a knife, and at operation the trachea was found to be completely disrupted. A median sternotomy made possible end-to-end anastomosis of the trachea. All other important organs including the great vessels, esophagus, and lungs were intact, but the pleura was open on the right side. The patient was managed under heavy sedation and with controlled ventilation for more than a week postoperatively, because of her suspected mental condition. She was extubated on postoperative day 13 and transferred to a mental hospital on day 16. We concluded that early diagnosis and surgical repair were important for the successful management of this patient with tracheal disruption.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Suture Techniques
  • Thoracic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Trachea / injuries*
  • Trachea / surgery*
  • Wounds, Stab / surgery*