Experience of emergency cervical tracheal repair after non-iatrogenic injury

Abstract

Background: Non-iatrogenic cervical tracheal injury is very rare and challenging for emergency critical care, early diagnosis, and immediate repair. So, emergency repair after early definitive diagnosis is the mainstay to avoid mortality and morbidity. Methods: A retrospective, observational, cohort study is undertaken with collected data on 50 patients with emergency cervical tracheal repair after non-iatrogenic injury between January 2011 to January 2020 at our accident and emergency department in Minia and South Valley Universities. Results: The non-iatrogenic injury of the cervical trachea is more common in adult males (98%), and blunt trauma (70%) is the predominant type of injury. Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is the most common presentation (99%). There are associated comorbidities like vascular (4%), maxillofacial (6%), head injury (2%), and esophageal tear (8%). Successful intubation is lifesaving, and early diagnosis and repair avoid complications. Conclusions: Early diagnosis is a cornerstone for the successful management of cervical tracheal injury, in which successful intubation is a mainstay to reduce mortality. Emergency surgical repair reduces mortality and complications.