Fractured Inner Tracheostomy Tube : an Unusual Tracheobronchial Foreign Body

Abstract

Background : Acute respiratory obstructions are caused by foreign bodies in the trachea. In children the most common obstructions are inhaled playthings of food (such as nut). An unusual cause is that inhaled fractured inner tracheostomy tube.

Objective : To describe an unusual tracheobronchial foreign body

Setting : Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen

Results : A 7-year-old boy had subglottic stenosis wuth trachestomy tube dependent. He presented with pneumonia and we discovered a fractured inner tracheostomy tube lodged in the left main bronchus. We removed the foreign body with bronchoscope via the tracheostoma.

Conclusion : A report of the removal of an unusual tracheobronchial foreign body and suggested methods for management of tracheostomy tubes to prevent such incidents.