A Rare Case of Foreign Body (Detached Portex Tracheostomy Tube) in the Bronchus: Case Report

Abstract

Tracheostomy is a common airway procedure for life support. Fractured/detached and hence aspiration of a tracheostomy tube in the tracheobronchial tree is a rare late complication which can be life threatening sometimes. Published reports of a fractured metallic tracheostomy tube presenting as a foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree are rare and detached portex tracheostomy tube are even rarer. Hereby we are reporting a rare case of detached part of portex tracheostomy tube presenting as a foreign body in the right bronchus. Therapeutic rigid bronchoscopic removal is the mainstay of treatment. A periodic review of the techniques of tracheostomy care including timely checkups for signs of wear and tear can possibly eliminate such avoidable late complications.