Tracheal rupture in burns--a retrospective study.

Abstract

Tracheal ruptures and tracheoesophageal injuries are rare, but life-threatening complications can arise during ventilation. A retrospective study of all burned patients placed on a ventilator between 2000 and 2005 (n=1693) identified two patients (0.1%) with a tracheal rupture and tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF). The diagnoses were confirmed using endoscopy and computed tomography. The tracheal and oesophageal defects were treated surgically immediately after diagnosis using a collar approach. In all cases, withdrawal of ventilation proceeded without problems. Depending on their underlying condition, patients were transferred to normal wards with adequate spontaneous breathing and oral feeding. Tracheal rupture and tracheoesophageal injury following orotracheal intubation is a rare complication in patients with burns (0.1% incidence). Following diagnosis, immediate surgical intervention is effective without further complications.