Tracheal Injury

The aim of this chapter is to describe the different conditions leading a tracheal injury with focus on those occurring in clinical setting thyroid surgery. Tracheal can be classified as traumatic or iatrogenic during surgery, endotracheal intubation, bronchoscopy. damage rare complication thyroidectomy and more frequently observed advanced cancer invading airways. Respiratory distress, mediastinitis sepsis are most critical consequences. Early diagnosis appropriate treatment paramount importance prevent fatal outcome severe sequelae. Two options for management considered: operative non-operative. choice determined by patient’s respiratory condition local extent injury. Non-operative may safe option patients uncomplicated ventilation, superficial sufficiently covered tears, moderate non-progressive subcutaneous emphysema. A nonoperative approach includes bridging ventilation tube, stent placement, endoluminal repair. Surgical repair larger injuries which require mechanical ventilation.