Iatrogenic tracheobronchial rupture: A case report and review of the literature

Introduction: We present a case of a 37-yearold female who suffered an iatrogenic tear of the trachea following a non-traumatic intubation for an uncomplicated, elective cesarean section under general anesthesia. Case Report: Fifty minutes after extubation, the patient developed hemodynamic instability and respiratory distress, which required reintubation, and the trachea was surgically repaired. Tracheal rupture is a rare but potentially life-threatening lesion, and a delay in the diagnosis and treatment is associated with a poor outcome. Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of tracheal rupture is discussed in this report, especially in the context of pregnant patients. The authors recommend early surgical repair of the trachea in patients who suffer post-intubation tracheal injury complicated by respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability.