Lesiones laringotraqueales por ahorcamiento fallido / Laryngotracheal lesions by near-hanging

Introducción: La lesión por ahorcamiento se inscribe dentro del traumatismo cerrado de la tráquea cervical. Objetivo: Presentar seis enfermos tratados por secuelas de un intento fallido de ahorcamiento y revisión la literatura sobre los métodos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de seis pacientes tratados entre 1989 y 2011 en el Hospital "Hermanos Ameijeiras". Todos fueron remitidos de diferentes hospitales, con una traqueostomía para el control de la vía respiratoria. Las variables estudiadas fueron: sexo, edad, diagnóstico definitivo, técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas, evolución posoperatoria, complicaciones y mortalidad. Resultados: Todos los pacientes fueron del sexo masculino, con edad entre 16 y 66 años (mediana 28,5). Cuatro tenían menos de 30 años, uno 38 y el último 66. El diagnóstico se hizo mediante traqueoscopia flexible y tomografía axial computarizada. La lesión se localizó en subglotis (2) y tráquea (4). Dos pacientes fueron operados antes de la remisión: resección traqueal (1) y laringotraqueal (1). El tratamiento definitivo, en nuestro centro, consistió en resección traqueal (4) y subglótica (2). No se presentaron complicaciones ni fallecidos. Durante el seguimiento postoperatorio (7 a 26 meses), cinco lesionados tuvieron resultados excelentes y uno satisfactorio, asociado con voz débil. Conclusiones: El traumatismo traqueal por ahorcamiento fallido es muy raro. El tratamiento oportuno y adecuado puede reducir las complicaciones y la mortalidad. Un equipo quirúrgico con experiencia puede lograr resultados satisfactorios en un grupo importante de lesionados. La traqueostomía, con anestesia local, es el método de elección para controlar la VR en pacientes con traumatismo cervical(AU)

Introduction: The hanging injury is considered a closed trauma of the cervical trachea. Objective: To present the cases of six patients treated for sequelae after failed hanging attempt, and to review the literature about diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out of six consecutive patients treated between 1989 and 2011 at Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. All were referred from different hospitals, with a tracheostomy for controlling the airway. The variables studied were sex, age, definitive diagnosis, surgical techniques used, postoperative evolution, complications and mortality. Results: All patients were male, aged between 16 and 66 years (median: 28.5). Four were less than 30 years old; one, 38; and the last, 66. The diagnosis was made by flexible tracheoscopy and computerized axial tomography. The injury was located in the subglottis (2) and the trachea (4). Two patients were operated on before referral, through tracheal (1) and laryngotracheal (1) resection. Definitive treatment in our center consisted of tracheal (4) and subglottic (2) resection. There were no complications or deaths. During the postoperative follow-up (7-26 months), five injured patients had excellent outcomes and one had satisfactory outcomes, associated with a weak voice. Conclusions: Tracheal trauma after failed hanging is very rare. Timely and appropriate managment can reduce complications and mortality. An experienced surgical team can achieve satisfactory outcomes in a large group of injured people. Tracheostomy, under local anesthesia, is the method of choice for controlling the airways in patients with cervical trauma(AU)

Lesión traqueal como hallazgo radiológico. A propósito de un caso / Tracheal injury as a radiological finding. Case report

Tracheal injury can occur as a rare complication of endotracheal intubation, associated with multiple anatomical and mechanical factors that have been described; however, the actual incidence is unknown due to the few series of documented cases that are reported worldwide. It is considered a fatal complication when it occurs and a diagnosis is not established in a timely manner. We present the case of a patient with active SARS-CoV-2 infection and a history of congenital malformation, who presented a tracheal lesion secondary to reintubation as a radiological finding.

La lesión traqueal puede ocurrir como complicación rara de una intubación endotraqueal, asociada a múltiples factores que han sido descritos de tipo anatómico y mecánico, sin embargo, la incidencia real se desconoce por las pocas series de casos documentados que se reportan a nivel mundial. Considera como una complicación mortal cuando se presenta y no se establece un diagnóstico de forma oportuna. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con infección activa de SARS-CoV-2 y antecedente de malformación congénita, que presentó como hallazgo radiológico una lesión traqueal secundaria a reintubación.

Damage control of laryngotracheal trauma: the golden day / Control de daños del trauma laringotraqueal: todo en 24 horas

Abstract Laryngotracheal trauma is rare but potentially life-threatening as it implies a high risk of compromising airway patency. A consensus on damage control management for laryngotracheal trauma is presented in this article. Tracheal injuries require a primary repair. In the setting of massive destruction, the airway patency must be assured, local hemostasis and control measures should be performed, and definitive management must be deferred. On the other hand, management of laryngeal trauma should be conservative, primary repair should be chosen only if minimal disruption, otherwise, management should be delayed. Definitive management must be carried out, if possible, in the first 24 hours by a multidisciplinary team conformed by trauma and emergency surgery, head and neck surgery, otorhinolaryngology, and chest surgery. Conservative management is proposed as the damage control strategy in laryngotracheal trauma.

Resumen El trauma laringotraqueal es poco frecuente, pero con alto riesgo de comprometer la permeabilidad la vía aérea. El presente artículo presenta el consenso de manejo de control de daños del trauma laringotraqueal. En el manejo de las lesiones de tráquea se debe realizar un reparo primario; y en los casos con una destrucción masiva se debe asegurar la vía aérea, realizar hemostasia local, medidas de control y diferir el manejo definitivo. El manejo del trauma laríngeo debe ser conservador y diferir su manejo, a menos que la lesión sea mínima y se puede optar por un reparo primario. El manejo definitivo se debe realizar durante las primeras 24 hora por un equipo multidisciplinario de los servicios de cirugía de trauma y emergencias, cirugía de cabeza y cuello, otorrinolaringología, y cirugía de tórax. Se propone optar por la estrategia de control de daños en el trauma laringotraqueal.

Lesión traqueal con reparación de colgajo muscular / Tracheal Injury with Muscle Flap Repair

RESUMEN Los traumatismos en cuello se pueden clasificar las lesiones en contusas y penetrantes, en el caso de las heridas penetrantes las ocasionadas por arma punzocortante son las más frecuentes. Las manifestaciones clínicas dependen del mecanismo del trauma, tamaño y nivel de la lesión. Paciente masculino de 26 años de edad con heridas por arma punzocortante en cuello y muñecas se ingresó a quirófano de urgencia, se realizó una exploración vascular de cuello encontrando una avulsión completa del ligamento cricotiroideo, se realizó la reparación del defecto con un colgajo de los músculos cricotiroideos, cursando una buena evolución es egresado al duodécimo día. El diagnóstico de las lesiones traqueales es desafiante y debe realizase rápidamente. Se debe instalar una vía aérea definitiva de manera eficaz y planear la reconstrucción quirúrgica. El seguimiento postoperatorio realizado de manera interdisciplinaria es esencial para el pronóstico(AU)

ABSTRACT Neck injuries can be classified as blunt or penetrating injuries. Penetrating injuries caused by a puncturing gun are the most frequent. The clinical manifestations depend on trauma mechanism, and on lesion size and degree. We present the case of a 26-year-old male patient with puncture injuries to the neck and wrists. After he was admitted to the emergency room, a vascular exploration of the neck was performed, finding a complete avulsion of the cricothyroid ligament. The defect was repaired with a flap of the cricothyroid muscles. The patient had a good evolution and was discharged on the twelfth day. The diagnosis of tracheal lesions is challenging and must be carried out quickly. A definitive airway should be installed efficiently, as well as the planning of the surgical reconstruction. The postoperative follow-up performed in an interdisciplinary way is essential for the prognosis(AU)

Lesão de mucosa laringotraqueal e fatores associados após extubação endotraqueal: estudo piloto / Laryngotracheal mucosa injury and associated factors after endotracheal extubation: a pilot study

Resumo Objetivo Descrever os sinais clínicos de lesão de mucosa laringotraqueal e seus fatores associados. Métodos Estudo observacional, longitudinal, em pacientes intubados por ocasião da anestesia geral. Foram realizadas avaliações no pré-operatório, transoperatório, e nas 24, 48 e 72 horas após extubação. Para análise, utilizaram-se estatísticas descritiva e exploratória, e também foi verificada a razão de chances. Resultados Dentre os pacientes, 53,3% apresentaram pelo menos um sinal clínico de lesão de mucosa laringotraqueal, sendo predominantes: rouquidão (43,3%), disfagia (40%) e odinofagia (33,3%). Estiveram associados aos seguintes fatores: pressão intra-cuff acima de 25cmH2O, intubação por mais de 120 minutos e uso de tubos maiores que 7,5mm. Conclusão Os sinais clínicos de lesão de mucosa laringotraqueal mais frequentes na população deste estudo foram rouquidão, disfagia e odinofagia, associados à pressão do cuff acima de 25 cmH2O, seguido do tempo de intubação e tamanho inadequado de tubos endotraqueais.

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical signs of laryngotracheal mucosal injuries and associated factors. Methods This was an observational longitudinal study conducted with patients intubated due to general anesthesia. Assessment was carried out in the preoperative period, intraoperative period and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after extubation. Descriptive and exploratory statistics were used for analysis, in addition to odds ratio. Results 53.3% of the sample presented at least one clinical sign of laryngotracheal mucosal injury, mainly: hoarseness (43.3%), dysphagia (40%), and odynophagia (33.3%). The following factors were associated: intracuff pressure above 25 cmH2O, intubation longer than 120 minutes, and the use of tubes larger than 7.5mm. Conclusion The most common clinical signs of laryngotracheal mucosal injury among the studied population were hoarseness, dysphagia, and odynophagia, associated with cuff pressure above 25 cmH2O, followed by duration of intubation and inadequate endotracheal tube size.

Tracheobronchial injuries in chest trauma: a 17-year experience / Lesões traqueobrônquicas no trauma torácico: experiência de 17 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: to discuss the clinical and therapeutic aspects of tracheobronchial lesions in victims of thoracic trauma. Methods: we analyzed the medical records of patients with tracheobronchial lesions treated at the São Paulo Holy Home from April 1991 to June 2008. We established patients' severity through physiological (RTS) and anatomical trauma indices (ISS, PTTI). We used TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) to evaluate the probability of survival. Results: nine patients had tracheobronchial lesions, all males, aged between 17 and 38 years. The mean values ​​of the trauma indices were: RTS - 6.8; ISS - 38; PTTI - 20.0; and TRISS - 0.78. Regarding the clinical picture, six patients displayed only emphysema of the thoracic wall or the mediastinum and three presented with hemodynamic or respiratory instability. The time interval from patient admission to diagnosis ranged from one hour to three days. Cervicotomy was performed in two patients and thoracotomy, in seven (77.7%), being bilateral in one case. Length of hospitalization ranged from nine to 60 days, mean of 21. Complications appeared in four patients (44%) and mortality was nil. Conclusion: tracheobronchial tree trauma is rare, it can evolve with few symptoms, which makes immediate diagnosis difficult, and presents a high rate of complications, although with low mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: discutir os aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos de lesões traqueobrônquicas em vítimas de trauma torácico. Métodos: análise de dados dos prontuários de pacientes com lesões traqueobrônquicas atendidas na Santa Casa de São Paulo no período de abril de 1991 a junho de 2008. A caracterização da gravidade dos doentes foi feita por meio de índices de trauma fisiológico (RTS) e anatômicos (ISS, PTTI). O TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) foi utilizado para avaliar a probabilidade de sobrevida. Resultados: nove doentes tinham lesões traqueobrônquicas, todos do sexo masculino, com idades entre 17 e 38 anos. Os valores médios dos índices de trauma foram: RTS- 6,8; ISS- 38; PTTI-20,0; TRISS-0,78. Com relação ao quadro clínico, seis apresentaram apenas enfisema de parede torácica ou do mediastino e três doentes se apresentaram com instabilidade hemodinâmica ou respiratória. O intervalo de tempo necessário para se firmar o diagnóstico, desde a admissão do doente, variou de uma hora a três dias. Cervicotomia foi realizada em dois pacientes e toracotomia foi realizada em sete (77,7%), sendo bilateral em um caso. O tempo de internação variou de nove a 60 dias, média de 21 dias. Complicações apareceram em quatro pacientes (44%) e a mortalidade foi nula. Conclusão: o trauma da árvore traqueobrônquica é raro, pode evoluir com poucos sintomas, o que dificulta o diagnóstico imediato, e apresenta alto índice de complicações embora com baixa mortalidade.

Paratracheal cyst rupture: a differential diagnosis for tracheal rupture / Ruptura de cisto paratraqueal: um diagnóstico diferencial para ruptura traqueal

Abstract Tracheobronchial rupture is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication commonly caused by neck and chest trauma. Iatrogenic tracheobronchial rupture can be caused by intubation, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy but also linked to pre-existing primary diseases. Paratracheal air cysts, infrequently described in literature, seem to be associated with obstructive lung disease and weaknesses in right posterior lateral wall of the trachea. We report a case of a paratracheal air cyst rupture in a previous healthy patient.

Resumo A ruptura traqueobrônquica (RTB) é uma complicação rara, mas potencialmente fatal, comumente causada por trauma de pescoço e tórax. A RTB iatrogênica pode ser causada por intubação, traqueostomia, broncoscopia, mas também pode estar relacionada a doenças primárias preexistentes. Os cistos aéreos paratraqueais, raramente descritos na literatura, parecem estar associados à doença pulmonar obstrutiva e fraqueza da parede posterolateral direita da traqueia. Relatamos o caso de uma ruptura de cisto aéreo paratraqueal em paciente previamente saudável.

Asociación entre el precio de los alimentos y la glucemia en adultos estadounidenses con diabetes de tipo 2 / The Association Between Food Prices and the Blood Glucose Level of US Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJETIVOS: Calculamos la asociación entre el precio de diversas categorías de alimentos saludables y menos saludables y la glucemia en adultos estadounidenses con diabetes de tipo 2. MÉTODOS: Vinculamos la información de salud contenida en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 1999-2006 y el precio de los alimentos a partir de la base trimestral de datos de precios de los alimentos. Aplicamos una regresión de los valores de glucemia con respecto al precio de los alimentos en el trimestre anterior, con control de la región del mercado y otras covariables. Examinamos asimismo si la asociación entre el precio de los alimentos y la glucemia variaba entre distintos grupos de ingresos. RESULTADOS: Tanto el precio de las frutas y verduras como el precio de los productos lácteos magros se asocian a la glucemia en las personas con diabetes de tipo 2. En concreto, un precio mayor de las frutas y verduras y de los productos lácteos se asocia a valores más altos de glu-cohemoglobina y de glucemia en ayunas tres meses después. La asociación entre el precio de los alimentos y la glucemia es mayor en las personas de ingresos bajos que en las de ingresos elevados, en la dirección esperada. CONCLUSIONES: Un precio mayor de los alimentos saludables se asocia a cifras más elevadas de glucemia en las personas con diabetes de tipo 2. Esta asociación fue especialmente pronunciada en las personas con diabetes de tipo 2 con ingresos bajos.

OBJECTIVES: We estimated the association between the price of healthy and less-healthy food groups and blood sugar among US adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We linked 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey health information to food prices contained in the Quarterly Food-at-Home Price Database. We regressed blood sugar levels on food prices from the previous calendar quarter, controlling for market region and a range of other covariates. We also examined whether the association between food prices and blood sugar varies among different income groups. RESULTS: The prices of produce and low-fat dairy foods were associated with blood sugar levels of people with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, higher prices for produce and low-fat dairy foods were associated with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose 3 months later. Food prices had a greater association with blood sugar for low-income people than for higherincome people, and in the expected direction. CONCLUSIONS: Higher prices of healthy foods were associated with increased blood sugar among people with type 2 diabetes. The association was especially pronounced among low-income people with type 2 diabetes.

Resección traqueal y anastomosis primaria en traumatismo traqueo esofágico por arma de fuego / Tracheal resection and primary anastomosis in tracheoesophagueal gunshot trauma

Introduction: even though tracheoesophagueal lesions due to cervicothoracic gunshot wound are infrecuent, they should always be considered in a lesion of this kind, based on the proximity of the structures in this area, as well as the rapid compromise and deterioration that can develop these patients if the air way or vascular structures are damaged. Clinical case: we present a patient with a tracheoesophageal gunshot trauma and the surgical repair.

Introducción: las lesiones traqueo esofágicas secundarias a heridas de bala en cuello, a pesar de ser infrecuentes, siempre deben descartarse frente a un mecanismo de este tipo, no sólo por la proximidad de las estructuras sino también por el importante compromiso y rápido deterioro que pudieran presentar estos pacientes si la vía aérea o estructuras vasculares se vieran comprometidas. Caso clínico: se presenta en este trabajo un paciente con lesión traqueo esofágica secundaria a herida de bala, además de la técnica de reparación utilizada.

Perioperative management of tracheobronchial injury following blunt trauma.

We describe tracheobronchial injury (TBI) in a 17-year-old teenager following blunt trauma resulting from a road traffic accident. The patient presented to a peripheral hospital with swelling over the neck and face associated with bilateral pneumothorax for which bilateral intercostal drains were inserted and the patient was transferred to our institute. Fiber-optic videobronchoscopy (FOB) was performed, the trachea and bronchi were visualized, and the site and extent of injury was assessed. Spontaneous respiration was maintained till assessment of the airway. Then the patient was anesthetized with propofol and paralyzed using succinylcholine and a double-lumen endobronchial tube was inserted; thereafter, the adequacy of controlled manual ventilation and air-leak through intercostal drains was assessed and the patient was transferred to operating room (OR) for repair of the airway injury. The OR was kept ready during FOB to manage any catastrophe. This case describes the need for proper preparation and communication between health care team members to manage all possible scenarios of traumatic TBI.

Tracheoesophageal perforation following external blunt trauma

External trauma accounts for less than 10% of all esophageal perforations, the major resulting from penetrating trauma. External blunt trauma with tracheoesophageal perforation is an unusual and potentially catastrophic event. The diagnosis of esophageal perforations following blunt trauma presents a diagnostic dilemma as it may be obscured by more obvious injuries. We hereby report a case of a child of road traffic accident who sustained external blunt trauma to cervical and upper thoracic region which resulted into a tracheoesophageal perforation

Iatrogenic tracheal tear / Desgarro traqueal iatrogénico

Large post intubation tracheal tears are usually detected intra-operatively due to unstable signs namely impaired ventilation and mediastinal emphysema and often require surgical management. Smaller tracheal tears are often missed during anaesthesia and recognized during the postoperative period. Conservative management should be considered in these latter cases.

Grandes desgarros traqueales tras una entubación se detectan usualmente intra-operativamente debido a señales inestables, a saber, ventilación defectuosa y enfisema del mediastino. Tales desgarros requieren a menudo tratamiento quirúrgico. Los desgarros traqueales menores no se ven a menudo durante la anestesia y se reconocen sólo durante el periodo postoperatorio. Un tratamiento conservador debe ser objeto de consideración en estos últimos casos.

Rotura de tráquea / Tracheal fracture

En este trabajo se presenta un caso de rotura traqueal posextubación orotraqueal ocurrido durante una cirugía laparoscópica habitual. La rotura o laceración traqueal se produce por un aumento de la presión en la vía aérea, el uso de mandriles, la exposición a gases anestésicos o sobreinsuflación en el manguito del tubo endotraqueal, o por praxis no anestésicas (cirugía de esófago, broncoscopías, etc.) Es detectada en el posoperatorio inmediato (quirófano, sala de recuperación posanestésica o primeras horas en sala), y aunque es una patología de muy baja incidencia, el anestesiólogo debe estar involucrado activamente en su diagnóstico porque las posibilidades de morbimortalidad son elevadas. El objetivo de esta presentación es señalar las causas del evento para tratar de evitar su ocurrencia, describir los primeros signos y síntomas para ayudar a su diagnóstico precoz y realizar una recopilación de los tratamientos reconocidos. Recordemos que por su baja incidencia no se conocen trabajos randomizados sobre la adopción a tiempo de medidas clínicas y quirúrgicas, incluidas la del tratamiento expectante, que es la conducta más aceptada, rápida y con menores o ninguna secuela para resolver la rotura traqueal posextubación.

This paper presents a case of tracheal fracture after endotracheal extubation following a routine laparoscopic surgery. Tracheal fracture or laceration may be caused by an increase of pressure in the airway, the use of mandrels, exposure to anesthetic gases or excessive insufflation in the cuff of the endotracheal tube, or due to non-anesthetic practices (esophageal surgery, bronchoscopy, etc.) It was detected in the immediate postoperative period (operating theater, post-anesthesia recovery room or first hours in the ward), and although it is a rare occurrence, the anesthesiologist must be actively involved in its diagnosis because of the high possibilities of morbi-mortality. The purpose of this presentation is to point out the causes of this occurrence so as to attempt to avoid it, to describe the first signs and symptoms for early diagnosis and to compile renowned treatment. Bear in mind that due to its low incidence there are no known randomized papers on timely adoption of clinical and surgical measures, including the expectant treatment, which is the most accepted and fastest one, with the least or no consequences to solve the post-extubation tracheal fracture.

Neste trabalho é apresentado um caso de ruptura traqueal pós-extubação orotraqueal durante uma cirurgia laparoscópica habitual. A ruptura ou laceração traqueal ocorre por aumento da pressão na via aérea, uso de mandris, exposição a gases anestésicos, superinsuflação no manguito do tubo endotraqueal, ou por práticas não anestésicas (cirurgia de esôfago, broncoscopias, etc.). É detectada no pós-operatório imediato - na sala de operações, na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica ou nas primeiras horas na sala- e apesar de ser uma patologia de incidência muito baixa, é necessário que o anestesiologista se envolva ativamente em seu diagnóstico, já que as possibilidades de morbimortalidade são elevadas. O objetivo desta apresentação é apontar as causas do evento a fim de evitar sua ocorrência, descrever os primeiros sinais e sintomas que facilitem o diagnóstico precoce e realizar uma recopilação dos tratamentos reconhecidos. É importante lembrar que por sua reduzida incidência não se conhecem trabalhos randomizados sobre adoção de medidas clínicas e cirúrgicas em tempo adequado, entre as quais se inclui o tratamento expectante, a conduta mais aceita, rápida e com menores ou nenhuma sequela para resolver a ruptura traqueal pós-extubação.

Management of laryngotracheal and tracheobronchial injuries

Laryngotracheal and tracheobronchial injuries are uncommon, and their successful diagnosis and management often require a high level of expertise. This paper aimed at retrospective analysis of a thoracic surgeon's experience in the diagnosis and management of traumatic injuries to the larynx, trachea and major bronchi. Forty one patients with major airway trauma were managed from March 1994 to November 2008. Their demographic characteristics including age, gender, mechanisms and locations of injuries, associated other organ injuries as well as surgical airway managements and the outcomes were recorded. Seven patients had re-implantation of the main bronchus, and one patient had a repair of the right upper lobe bronchus with concomitant bilobectomy. In cases of tracheal injury, 16 patients had a primary repair of trachea. However, seven patients with tracheal injury first conservative approaches, but 4 of them were later subjected to sleeve resection of trachea. In patients with laryngotracheal injuries, and in a patient with thermal injury, Montgomery T-Tube was used with or without repair and/or reconstruction. Four patients died, but no significant morbidity was seen in others. The analysis of the cases suggests that laryngotracheal and tracheobronchial injuries require early correct diagnosis, skillful management, and prompt individualized surgical airway repair

Lesão complexa da traqueia: correção com retalho pediculado de músculo intercostal / Complex tracheal lesion: correction with an intercostal muscle pedicle flap

A reconstrução esofágica é uma das mais complexas cirurgias do aparelho digestivo, principalmente quando realizada por técnicas minimamente invasivas. Esse procedimento está associado a inúmeras complicações, como deiscência de anastomose, quilotórax, necrose do tubo gástrico e fistulas. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com o diagnóstico de carcinoma epidermoide no terço distal do esôfago que foi submetido à uma esofagectomia por videotoracoscopia e laparoscopia. Durante o ato operatório, houve lesão do brônquio principal esquerdo, sendo necessária a correção cirúrgica imediata da lesão. No pós-operatório, o paciente evoluiu com insuficiência respiratória aguda e grande escape aéreo pelos drenos de tórax e pela ferida operatória cervical. Foi submetido à nova intervenção cirúrgica, através da qual se observou uma grande lesão na parede membranosa da traqueia, que foi corrigida com um retalho de músculo intercostal.

Esophageal reconstruction is one of the most complex types of gastrointestinal surgery, principally when it is performed using minimally invasive techniques. The procedure is associated with various complications, such as anastomotic dehiscence, chylothorax, esophageal necrosis and fistulae. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with epidermoid carcinoma in the distal third of the esophagus. The patient was submitted to esophagectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopy and laparoscopy. During the operation, the left main bronchus was injured, and this required immediate surgical correction. In the postoperative period, the patient presented with acute respiratory failure and profuse air leak through the thoracic drains and through the cervical surgical wound. The patient underwent a second surgical procedure, during which a large lesion was discovered in the membranous wall of the trachea. The lesion was corrected with an intercostal muscle pedicle flap.

Laceração traqueal pós-intubação: análise de três casos e revisão de literatura / Post-intubation tracheal injury: report of three cases and literature review

A laceração traqueal pós-intubação é uma complicação rara e potencialmente fatal. Entre as principais causas, se destacam a hiperinsuflação do balonete e tentativas repetidas de intubação em situações de emergência. O diagnóstico depende da suspeita clínico-radiológica e da confirmação por fibrobroncoscopia. O manejo pode ser conservador ou cirúrgico, e essa opção depende de fatores do paciente (comorbidades, estabilidade ventilatória), das características da lesão (tamanho e topografia) e do tempo decorrido até o diagnóstico. O presente estudo relata três casos de laceração traqueal decorrente de trauma de intubação com dois pacientes submetidos a tratamento operatório e um deles ao tratamento conservador.

Post-intubation tracheal injury is a rare and potentially fatal complication. Among the most common causes, cuff overinflation and repetitive attempts of orotracheal intubation in emergency situations are paramount. Diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological suspicion, confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Both conservative and surgical management apply, and the decision-making process depends on the patient profile (comorbidities, respiratory stability), characteristics of the lesion (size and location) and the time elapsed between the occurrence of the injury and the diagnosis. We report the cases of three patients presenting tracheal laceration due to traumatic orotracheal intubation, two submitted to surgical treatment and one submitted to conservative treatment.

Divertículo traqueal / Tracheal diverticulum

Dentro de las lesiones quísticas con aire que podemos hallar en la región cervical o mediastinal superior se encuentra el divertículo traqueal. El origen del mismo pueden ser congénito o adquirido y la resolución puede ser médica o quirúgica de acuerdo a la sintomatología que ocasione. Presentamos un caso que se diagnosticó en la Tomografía Computada (TC) de un paciente que consultó por tos con expectoración recurrente que se atribuyó a tal formación. Ante el diagnóstico causal de tal sintomatología se decidió un tratamiento médico conservador.

Tracheal diverticulum was already described as an aired cystic lesion in the cervical and superior mediastinal areas by Rokitanski in 1838. It can be a congenital or acquired disorder and its treatment can be either medical or surgical. We present a case in which a tracheal diverticulum was diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) in a patient who complained of recurrent productive cough. The patient was given conservative medical treatment.

Sequelas pós-intubação e traqueostomia cirúrgica aberta: devemos sempre fazer a istmectomia? / Postintubation injuries and open surgical tracheostomy: should we always perform isthmectomy?

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da equipe cirúrgica (cirurgia geral ou cirurgia torácica) e da técnica operatória utilizada (com ou sem istmectomia) sobre a incidência de injúrias pós-intubação nas vias aéreas em pacientes traqueostomizados. MÉTODOS: Foram prospectivamente incluídos neste estudo 164 pacientes admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva para adultos do Hospital Estadual Sumaré e que ficaram sob intubação traqueal por mais de 24 h, no período entre 1º de janeiro e 31 de agosto de 2007. Quando foi necessária a realização de traqueostomia, os pacientes foram aleatorizados para as equipes de cirurgia geral e torácica. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à traqueoscopia flexível para a decanulação e/ou a avaliação tardia da via aérea. RESULTADOS: Dos 164 pacientes no estudo, 90 (54,88 por cento) faleceram (sem relação com o procedimento), 67 (40,85 por cento) completaram o seguimento e 7 (4,27 por cento) tiveram seguimento parcial. Dos 67 pacientes com seguimento completo, 32 foram traqueostomizados (21 pela equipe de cirurgia geral e 11 pela equipe de cirurgia torácica). A istmectomia foi realizada em 22 pacientes (11 pela equipe de cirurgia geral e 11 pela equipe de cirurgia torácica). Não houve diferença entre o índice de complicações estomais quando se comparou as equipes, mas sim quando se comparou as técnicas (com e sem istmectomia). CONCLUSÕES: A não realização da istmectomia paralelamente à traqueostomia faz com que o cirurgião realize o óstio traqueal mais distalmente do que supõe. Nestes casos, houve um maior índice de complicações do estoma traqueal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the surgical team (general surgery or thoracic surgery) and the surgical technique (with or without isthmectomy) on the incidence of postintubation injuries in the airways of tracheostomized patients. METHODS: Between January 1st and August 31st, 2007, 164 patients admitted to the adult intensive care unit and tracheally intubated for more than 24 h were studied prospectively at the Sumaré State Hospital, located at the city of Sumare, Brazil. When tracheostomy was necessary, these patients were randomly assigned to thoracic or general surgery teams. All of the patients were submitted to fiberoptic tracheoscopy for decannulation or late evaluation of the airway. RESULTS: Of the 164 patients in the study, 90 (54.88 percent) died (due to causes unrelated to the procedure), 67 (40.85 percent) completed follow-up, and 7 (4.27 percent) were lost to follow-up. Of the 67 patients who completed follow-up, 32 had undergone tracheostomy (21 by the general surgery team and 11 by the thoracic surgery team), and 22 had been submitted to isthmectomy (11 by the general surgery team and 11 by the thoracic surgery team). There was no difference between the surgical teams in terms of the incidence of stomal complications. However, there was a significant difference when the surgical techniques (with or without isthmectomy) were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Not performing isthmectomy in parallel with tracheostomy leads the surgeon to open the tracheal stoma more distally than expected. In such cases, there were more stomal complications.