Severe tracheal compression causing respiratory failure after transhiatal esophagectomy.

Miller, Kristin B; Kaplan, Brian; Shepherd, Ray W · Ann Thorac Surg · 2010

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Complications after transhiatal esophagectomy include pneumonia, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and anastomotic leak. Although damage to the trachea is a potential complication, there are minimal reports of tracheal compression after esophagectomy with gastric pull-through. We report a case of severe tracheal compression and obstruction requiring mechanical ventilation presenting 2 days postoperatively. Placement of a silicone tracheal stent relieved the obstruction in the distal trachea and facilitated extubation.

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