Objective: The aim of this study is to report a case of a clinically significant obstruction during mechanical ventilation caused by the dissection of the wired endotracheal tube's lumen during general anesthesia in a pediatric patient. Case report: A 12-years old patient undergoing general anesthesia for open appendectomy was intubated with a wired endotracheal tube and difficult removal of the guide. After starting the mechanical ventilation, there was increased expiratory fraction of CO 2 and need for increased inspiratory pressure. Chance of complications with higher incidences were raised and treated unsuccessfully. Finally, during patient reintubation, the dissection of the endotracheal tube lumen was observed, and ventilation was restored to normal. Conclusion: Anesthesia involves numerous possible complications. Suspicion and constant vigilance are essential for early diagnosis and treatment of any threat to the individual integrity. This case is relevant for emphasizing a possible very rare complication related to airway, which can quickly cause hypoxia and irreversible damage. Thus, this case contributes to the detection of this complication more frequently. Relato: Paciente de 12 anos submetido à anestesia geral para apendicectomia aberta foi intubado com tubo endotraqueal aramado e retirada de guia do tubo difícil. Após iniciar a ventilação mecânica houve aumento da fração expiratória de CO 2 e necessidade de aumento da pressão inspiratória. Hipóteses de complicações com maiores incidências foram aventadas e tratadas sem sucesso. Finalmente, ao reintubar o doente, foi verificada dissecção do lúmen do tubo endotraqueal e a ventilação foi restaurada à normalidade. Conclusão: O ato anestésico envolve inúmeras possíveis complicações. A suspeição e a vigilância constantes são essenciais para diagnosticar e tratar precocemente qualquer ameaça à integridade do indivíduo. O presente caso é relevante por enfatizar uma possível complicação muito incomum relacionada às vias aéreas capaz de causar hipóxia e danos irreversíveis rapidamente. Dessa forma, o caso contribui para que essa intercorrência seja detectada com maior frequência. PALAVRAS-CHAVE

Anesthesia involves numerous possible complications. Suspicion and constant vigilance are essential for early diagnosis and treatment of any threat to the individual integrity. This case is relevant for emphasizing a possible very rare complication related to airway, which can quickly cause hypoxia and irreversible damage. Thus, this case contributes to the detection of this complication more frequently.