Complete tracheal rupture after a failed suicide attempt

Abstract

Tracheal rupture is life-threatening and its management poses a considerable challenge to both anesthesiologists and surgeons. We report the case of a 44-year-old patient with a complete tracheal rupture after a failed suicide attempt by hanging. A rare bilateral injury of the laryngeal nerves was associated. An original tracheal intubation was performed using the video unit for thoracoscopy. The severity of the lesions required the placement of a tracheostomy cannula after the tracheal repair. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on the 12th day, with a remaining moderate dysphonia.