Video-Assisted Transcervical-Transtracheal Repair for Post-Intubation Tracheal Laceration.

BACKGROUND

Post-intubation tracheal laceration (PITL) is a rare but life-threatening complication. Early recognition and appropriate management are critical to prevent severe morbidity.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old female with class III obesity (BMI: 41.8 kg/m²) presented with progressive subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum from a 3 cm full-thickness posterior tracheal laceration (Cardillo level IIIa) after orthopaedic surgery under general anaesthesia. On postoperative day 3, she underwent video-assisted transcervical-transtracheal repair via a temporary cervical tracheostomy. Utilizing a rigid endoscope and a protocol-driven, SpO2-guided intermittent apnoeic technique, the laceration was successfully repaired with a 3-0 Monocryl running suture without complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The video-assisted transcervical-transtracheal approach offers a minimally invasive and effective alternative to conventional surgeries for PITL.