Fractured tracheostomy tube as a foreign body in a pediatric patient: a case report and review of literature
Abstract
Abstract Tracheostomy is a common surgery in children, usually required due to chronic respiratory insufficiency or neuromuscular illnesses. While tracheostomy considerably improves respiratory control, it also increases the risk of serious consequences such as tube dislodgement and blockage. This article describes a catastrophic event in which a dislodged tracheostomy tube (TT) occurred in a 10-year-old female patient with cerebral palsy who had been on ventilator support for 5 years. The dislodged tube slipped unnoticed into the right main bronchus, causing severe respiratory distress and sudden reduction in oxygen saturation. This life-threatening condition requires rapid diagnosis and surgical management. It also reviews the relevant literature to provide insights into best practices for managing similar cases, highlighting the importance of early identification and management of rare complications to prevent life-threatening outcomes. Key takeaways from this TT fracture case report highlight the importance of vigilance in long-term patient care. Early intervention is critical for patient safety, and healthcare providers should be aware of fracture risk in patients with prolonged TT use. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to prevent complications. This report emphasizes the need to investigate cleaning and sterilization methods to determine their impact on TT structural integrity.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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