Acute airway distress from endotracheal intubation injury in the pediatric aerodigestive tract

Abstract

Objectives Two unusual cases of pediatric aerodigestive tract trauma postintubation with subsequent complications are described. Pediatric retropharyngeal dissection from trauma has not been reported previously. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review in a pediatric tertiary care center. Results A 6-year-old girl underwent attempted nasotracheal intubation. She sustained retropharyngeal dissection, receiving positive pressure ventilation before this injury was noted. She developed subcutaneous emphysema. The child was managed conservatively and did well. An 8-year-old boy sustained a 4-cm laceration of his posterior trachea, developing pneumomediastinum after intubation. On transfer to our institution, he underwent direct laryngobronchoscopy and was reintubated with the tip of the endotracheal tube distal to the laceration. Postoperatively, the child accidentally pulled his tube and coughed, resulting in severe subcutaneous emphysema with increased pneumomediastinum. An emergent tracheotomy was performed. The patient subsequently did well. Conclusion A higher index of suspicion with more careful surveillance may prevent further morbidity.