A novel method of airway management in a case of penetrating neck injury

Direct injury to airway is a rare event and also a challenge to anaesthesiologist and surgeon. We present a case report of open tracheal injury with right pneumothorax in a young male following assault with a sharp weapon. In spite of a chest tube in situ, the patient came with collapse of one lung and tachypnoea which required surgical exploration. Lower airway was evaluated by fibre-optic bronchoscopy through the open tracheal wound while he was awake and tracheal tube was passed over the bronchoscope. There was no vascular or oesophageal injury detected. Although there was a pleural tear, there were no signs of injury to lung parenchyma. After evaluation, end to end anastomosis of the trachea was planned, for which orotracheal tube was passed with surgical assistance. Patient was shifted to post-operative high dependency unit and was electively ventilated for 7 days and was later successfully extubated under fibre-optic bronchoscope guidance.