Complex Tracheal Repair after Severe Tracheal Rupture during Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a frequently performed procedure in long-term intubated patients. Tracheal laceration is a rarely reported but life-threatening complication which often requires emergent surgical repair in order to re-establish continuity of the airway. This can be a tricky task in polymorbid patients and demands a multidisciplinary approach by intensive care physicians, anesthesiologists, pulmonologists and a surgical team experienced in airway surgery. We herein describe a case of severe iatrogenic tracheal injury occurring during PDT and its management.