Delayed Tracheal Perforation After Thyroidectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Thyroidectomy is a safe procedure that is frequently performed for benign or malignant thyroid disease. Complications after thyroidectomy occur in approximately 3%–5% of patients. Tracheal perforation is a very rare post-thyroidectomy complication, and delayed tracheal perforation without intraoperative tracheal injury is even rarer; only 25 case reports have been published globally, with varied management. We present the case of a 36-year-old man presenting with dyspnea and cough 2 weeks after left thyroidectomy. A defect measuring approximately 2 cm was confirmed on the anterior wall of the trachea by computed tomography and flexible laryngoscopy. The patient’s symptoms improved with conservative treatment including systemic steroids, and surgical treatment was not required. Even in the absence of unusual intraoperative events, delayed tracheal necrosis and perforation should be considered as possible postoperative complications following thyroidectomy.