Indirect management of full-thickness tracheal erosion in a complex pediatric patient

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 Apr:107:155-159. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.02.011. Epub 2018 Feb 7.

Abstract

Prolonged tracheostomy dependence in pediatric patients can be associated with significant complications, including damage to the tracheal wall requiring reconstruction. We present a case of an 8 year-old female with full-thickness tracheal erosion secondary to the presence of a tracheostomy tube combined with a narrow thoracic inlet. A direct tracheal reconstruction was considered but eliminated due to the poor tissue quality of the trachea. Instead, a multi-disciplinary surgical team conceived of a novel indirect approach to manage the patient's tracheal defect. To our knowledge the use of indirect repair of a full-thickness tracheal defect has not been reported in the literature.

Keywords: Pediatric tracheostomy dependence; Tracheal erosion; Tracheal repair.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bronchoscopy
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Trachea / injuries*
  • Trachea / surgery
  • Tracheostomy / adverse effects*