Abstract

CUESTAS, Giselle; MARTINEZ, Juan C.; PENA, Roberto  and  RAZETTI, Juan. Fractured tracheostomy tube: a rare cause of respiratory distress in the tracheotomized child. Case report. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2015, vol.113, n.6, pp.e353-e356. ISSN 0325-0075.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5546/aap.2015.e353.

Fracture and migration of the tracheotomy tube in the tracheobronchial tree is an uncommon complication of tracheotomy. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential because of the potential risk of fatal respiratory obstruction. Diagnosis should be suspected in all tracheotomized children undergoing breathing difficulties. It is confirmed by chest x-ray and endoscopic examination. The recommended treatment includes the endoscopic removal of the aspirated cannula through the tracheal stoma. We describe the clinical presentation and the management of a broken tracheotomy tube which was presented as a foreign body in the airway of a 18-month-old child. Recommendations for tracheostomy care are listed.

Keywords : Tracheostomy tube; Foreign body.

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