Ann Clin Otolaryngol | Volume 5, Issue 2 | Case Study | Open Access

Damage Control Management of Iatrogenic Esophageal Tear in a Challenging Case of a Re-Do Tracheostomy

Nee Tan S^1,2,3*, Mohamad Ishak LA¹ and Muthusamy R⁴

¹Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Tawau, Malaysia
²Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Lahad Datu, Malaysia
³School of Medicine, KPJ University College, Malaysia
⁴Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Lahad Datu, Malaysia

^*Correspondance to: Shi Nee Tan 

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Abstract

Introduction: Esophageal tear is a surgical emergency as it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This condition is a rare but catastrophic complication and usually secondary to esophageal instrumentation. Case Presentation: Here, we would like to present a case of a 12-year-old non-Malaysian with an iatrogenic tear of the esophagus which occurred during tracheostomy under general anesthesia after difficult endotracheal intubation. A damage control management, which involves the surgical team on the table to repair the esophagus via primary closure to close up the perforation and passive drain for drainage of the mediastinum, followed by tracheostomy. The patient underwent successful surgical repair immediately intra-operatively at the same setting. Conclusion: This case report is to raise awareness of this complication, to emphasize the importance, and to advocate the possible management responsible for this unusual disease entity.

Keywords:

Damage control surgery; Esophageal perforation; Adverse effects; Tracheostomy; Tracheal intubation

Citation:

Nee Tan S, Mohamad Ishak LA, Muthusamy R. Damage Control Management of Iatrogenic Esophageal Tear in a Challenging Case of a Re-Do Tracheostomy. Ann Clin Otolaryngol. 2020;5(2):1047.