Anesthetic management of a patient with an unusual broken tracheostomy tube: a case report

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the management of general anesthesia in an unusual case involving a patient with a broken tracheostomy tube presenting as an airway foreign body. METHODS: We herein describe the anesthetic management of a patient with a broken tracheostomy tube. A 77-year-old Chinese man who had been involved in a car accident underwent a tracheostomy. One year later, he presented with cough and bleeding at the tracheostomy site. Preoperative evaluation revealed that the metal tracheostomy tube was lodged in his left main bronchus. General anesthesia was induced to maintain spontaneous breathing, and adequate topical anesthesia of the airway was administered. RESULTS: The metal tracheostomy tube was successful removed, and a new tracheal tube was put in place. CONCLUSIONS: General anesthesia to maintain spontaneous breathing and adequate topical anesthesia of the airway can be safely used when removing broken tracheostomy tubes.