Emergent challenges in paediatric tracheostomy care: Insights from a case report

Abstract

Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure in paediatric patients that can lead to life-threatening complications such as tube breakage. This case report highlights the management of tracheostomy tube breakage in a 3-year-old male with Down’s syndrome and subglottic stenosis. On presentation with cough and cyanosis, the patient was found with a missing tracheostomy tube, leading to prompt intervention. Imaging revealed a broken tube in the left main bronchus, prompting successful extraction under general anaesthesia. The case underscores the importance of timely action and multidisciplinary care in such emergencies. The literature review reveals sparse discussion on paediatric tracheostomy tube breakage, emphasising the need for increased awareness and preventative measures. This report contributes to understanding and managing this uncommon yet critical complication, emphasising the necessity of thorough inspection and adherence to quality standards to ensure patient safety.