Intraoperative tracheal reconstruction with bovine pericardial patch following iatrogenic rupture

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic injuries of the membranous trachea have become increasingly common and may trigger a cascade of immediate life-threatening complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of a 48-year-old man with an iatrogenic membranous tracheal wall rupture after double-lumen intubation during Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy is presented. Tracheal injury was successfully managed surgically with the use of bovine pericardial patch and reinforcement with the gastric conduit which was moved toward the posterior wall of the membranous trachea sealing the wall laceration. CONCLUSION: Our technique was proved to be safe, effective and not technically demanding. Early recognition with prompt surgery is the gold standard of managing such cases, although small tears can be managed conservatively.