Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4298917 | Journal of Surgical Education | 2007 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
Tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) formation is a rare complication of either endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy. This complication is generally thought to be iatrogenic and occurs in less than 1% of patients. High-volume, low-pressure cuffs have made TEFs an infrequent occurrence; however, it still poses as a potential life-threatening condition. Evaluation and close monitoring of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressures is an area of significance commonly overlooked and/or underemphasized by surgical residents. To illustrate and review this clinical problem, a case of an iatrogenic TEF as a consequence of excessive endotracheal cuff pressures is reported.
Keywords
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Surgery
Authors
Robert C. Mooty, Paul Rath, Michael Self, Ernest Dunn, Alicia Mangram,