Complete cervical tracheal transection caused by blunt neck trauma: case report

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2014 Nov;20(6):459-62. doi: 10.5505/tjtes.2014.32744.

Abstract

This study aimed to report the survival of a rare case of complete tracheal transection followed by blunt neck trauma. A 66-year-old man was presented in the emergency room after a motorcycle accident in which a rope was wrapped around his neck. Although alert, he was in respiratory distress. A computed tomographic scan showed transection of the cervical trachea. Emergency neck exploration revealed that the tracheal laceration had been cut from the tracheal anterior third ring to the posterior first ring and the anterior esophageal wall had ruptured. Laryngectomy, tracheostomy, and esophagopharyngeal anastomosis were performed. Prompt airway management and immediate neck exploration is important for survival in these cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neck Injuries / complications
  • Neck Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Neck Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck Injuries / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Trachea / injuries*
  • Tracheostomy
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnosis*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery