Intraoperative tracheal reconstruction with bovine pericardial patch following iatrogenic rupture

• Main Authors: Bischiniotis Theodoros, Lafaras Christos, Paliouras Dimitrios, Samanidis Georgios, Barbetakis Nikolaos, Tsilikas Christodoulos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-02-01
• Series: Patient Safety in Surgery
• Online Access: http://www.pssjournal.com/content/2/1/4

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Iatrogenic injuries of the membranous trachea have become increasingly common and may trigger a cascade of immediate life-threatening complications.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A case of a 48-year-old man with an iatrogenic membranous tracheal wall rupture after double-lumen intubation during Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy is presented. Tracheal injury was successfully managed surgically with the use of bovine pericardial patch and reinforcement with the gastric conduit which was moved toward the posterior wall of the membranous trachea sealing the wall laceration.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our technique was proved to be safe, effective and not technically demanding. Early recognition with prompt surgery is the gold standard of managing such cases, although small tears can be managed conservatively.</p>