Tracheal laceration after intubation and application of continuous airflow through the outer cuff of the tracheal tube

Abstract

We report the case of a man diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis who underwent a C3-C6 bilateral laminectomy. In the immediate postoperative period he developed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum caused by tracheal laceration. Continuous airflow (1 L x min(-1)) through the outer cuff was applied during the operation to compensate for air leak when loss of balloon cuff pressure was detected.