Clinical features and management of closed injury of the cervical trachea due to blunt trauma
Sammanfattning
Background
We retrospectively reviewed the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with
closed injury of the cervical trachea. We evaluated factors that improve diagnosis and treatment,
reduce mortality, and avoid tracheal stenosis.
Methods
We reviewed the clinical data of 17 patients with closed injury of the cervical trachea. All patients
underwent CT scanning or endoscopy, tracheal exploration, low tracheotomy, and tracheal repair.
Results
In 12 patients, breathing, phonation, and swallowing functions had returned to normal at 2 weeks. In
three patients, breathing and swallowing functions had recovered at 2 weeks, but hoarseness
continued. In two patients, tracheal stenosis prevented extubation and required further surgery; in
these patients breathing and swallowing functions had recovered at 6 months.
Conclusions
Closed injury of the cervical trachea may cause airway obstruction and is potentially life-threatening.
Early diagnosis and repair to restore structure and function are important to ensure survival and
avoid tracheal stenosis.