ABSTRACT
Background: Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare condition that can be congenital or acquired. Patients of COVID-19 remain intubated for prolonged periods that can give rise to a multitude of complications. We came across a case where patient develop TEF after 7 days of tracheostomy. Case Study: 34 years female admitted with Covid pneumonia. Patient required ICU care for respiratory distress, required intubation. Patient was treated with standard treatment and kept on controlled ventilation. Patient underwent tracheostomy on day 12 of intubation. On day 17 of patient had an episode of sudden severe respiratory distress, desaturation, hypotension tachycardia not generating tidal volumes and rising peak pressures on ventilator. Patient developed bilateral tension pneumothorax immediately bilateral intercostal drainage tubes insertion done and patient settled. On day 19 patient had persistent cough with RT feeds coming through tracheostomy tube and site. Suspecting TEF CT neck with thorax was done. A rent is seen in the tracheal and esophageal walls close to the bulb of tracheostomy tube. with a TEF. Long tracheostomy tube was inserted as conservative management. Discussion: COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia may require and remain on prolonged mechanical ventilation. The sudden deterioration of respiratory status, gastric distension and food particles in intubated tube are suspicious to TEF. Conclusion: Early tracheostomy can prevent some complications of prolonged intubation. If a patient develops sudden desaturation, gastric distension and food particles in tracheostomy tube then TEF should always be in the differential diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
Background: Development of spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum is one of the complication of COVID-19 viral pneumonitis. This has been described in both mechanically ventilated patients or on non invasive/ high flow nasal cannula oxygen support. The Macklin effect can been proposed as a possible etiology owing to the propensity to the damage to type2 pneumocytes, alveolar rupture secondary to direct alveolar injury. Case: 32 year male, non smoker, non alcoholic with no comorbidities presented to emergency with sudden onset of shortness of breath, left chest pain. HRCT chest done showed left pneumothorax with mediastinal shift. Intercostal drainage tube(ICD) was placed on the left side and patient was stabilised. Patient has had similar complaints one week back for which right sided ICD was placed. Patient had history of COVID-19 infection one month back. He did not require any supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support. Right side ICD was removed 1 week later as there was no air leak. Left side had persistent air leak, with non expanding lung. Patient was put on supplemental oxygen. He was treated with antibiotics, other supplemental oxygen and repeat HRCT chest showed loculated hydropneumothorax with bronchopleural fistula (BPF) on the left side. The patient was discharge with ICD. After improving the general condition, the air leak was surgically corrected with left lobe decortication and BPF closure. Conclusion: COVID 19 infection renders more propensity to damage type 2 pneumocytes. The alveolar rupture is secondary to alveolar injury causing increased tendency for air leak without obviously increased pressures.
ABSTRACT
Introduction & Objective: The Coronavirus pandemic led to wide-spread reductions in surgical volume. Many patients were hesitant to undergo surgery, despite appropriate hospital precautions. Kidney stone patients pending surgical intervention have distinct risks associated with surgical delay including pain, infection, and loss of renal function. It is important to understand the risks of surgical delay during the pandemic and to better understand patient concerns and preferences for undergoing surgery. Methods: A prospective, multi-institutional patient survey during April and May 2020 was performed. Nephrolithiasis patients pending stone removal surgery including ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and nephrectomy were interviewed at clinical encounters regarding their symptoms, unplanned clinical events, presence of nephrostomy tubes /double J stents, concerns and reassurances for coming to the hospital, and willingness to undergo surgery. The association of patient demographics, stone burden, renal function, stonerelated symptoms, and COVID risk factors with willingness to undergo surgery, and concerns for contracting COVID were examined. Results: 142 patients pending stone surgery completed surveys, with 66% willing to proceed with surgery, while 34% requested to delay. There was no statistical difference in patients willing versus unwilling to proceed with surgery, with regards to patient demographics, type of surgical procedure, stone burden, stonerelated symptoms, renal function compromise, presence of hydronephrosis, unplanned clinical events, or COVID risk factors. Those willing to proceed were more likely to have a ureteral stone (32% vs 15%, p = 0.03) or have a ureteral stent or nephrostomy tube in place (35% vs 6%, p < 0.01). Willingness to proceed with surgery was inversely correlated with COVID19 concerns. COVID19 concern was not impacted by age, sex, clinical site, distance to hospital, or COVID 19 risk factors. Conclusions: Kidney stone patients pending surgical treatment weremore willing to proceed with surgery based on the presence of a ureteral stone, upper urinary tract drainage tube, or low concern for COVID. Patient demographic, symptoms, kidney function, and other stone risk factors were not associated with willingness for surgery. Patients that are hesitant to proceed with surgery, despite appropriate hospital precautions should be educated appropriately regarding their risks with regards to COVID and nephrolithiasis.