Tracheal injury characterized by subcutaneous emphysema and dyspnea after improper placement of a Sengstaken–Blakemore tube: A case report

RATIONALE: Tracheal injury characterized by subcutaneous emphysema and dyspnea can occur following the use of a Sengstaken–Blakemore tube. Should tracheal injury occur, it may be possible to manage resultant airway obstruction with a tracheal stent. PATIENT CONCERNS: We describe the case of a 51-year-old patient who developed a tracheal injury when a Sengstaken–Blakemore tube was inadvertently inserted into the patient's trachea. DIAGNOSES: Liver cirrhosis, gastric-fundus variceal bleeding, tracheal injury. INTERVENTIONS: Polyglycol and tissue glue were injected intravenously, and endoscopic variceal ligation was performed. A Sengstaken–Blakemore tube was used to stop the bleeding. A covered tracheal stent was placed via fiberoptic bronchoscopy to relieve the tracheal injury due to improper placement of a Sengstaken–Blakemore tube. OUTCOMES: After placement of the tracheal stent, the patient was able to breathe spontaneously and subsequently recovered. LESSONS: Some precautions must be taken to avoid placing a Sengstaken–Blakemore tube in the trachea. If a tracheal injury occurs following misplacement of a Sengstaken–Blakemore tube, it may be possible to manage resultant airway obstruction by placing a tracheal stent.