Complications of surgical closure of tracheo-cutaneous fistula in pediatric patients — two case reports

Abstract

Tracheocutaneous fistula is seen frequently in decannulated children and respiratory complications associated with primary surgical closure can be potentially fatal. Cough is a precipitating factor for an air leak and we report two cases in which this occurred. A tracheotomy was performed on a 5-month-old girl for mechanical ventilation. Decannulation was successful at the first attempt. One year later, she presented with a persistent tracheo-cutaneous fistula. After surgical closure without drainage, she developed subcutaneous emphysema during a coughing episode. Sutures were removed. A 9-month-old boy presented with oxygen-dependence after lung disease and a tracheotomy was performed for respiratory support. Decannulation was successful at the first attempt 6 months later. He developed a pneumomediastinum after surgical closure of a tracheo-cutaneous fistula. Sutures were removed but replacement of a tracheotomy tube was required. In both cases the wounds were allowed to heal by secondary intention.