Management of Tracheobronchial Injuries with Subcutaneous Emphysema

Abstract

Background: Subcutaneous emphysema is infiltration of air under dermis layers in tracheobronchial injuries and needs to be immediately addressed for proper management. Aim: To assess the management protocols for tracheobronchial injuries with subcutaneous emphysema. Study design: Retrospective study. Place and duration of study: Dept of Thoracic Surgery, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta from 01-01-2020 to 31-03-2021. Methodology: Fifty patients were assessing for their management techniques in tracheobronchial injuries with subcutaneous emphysema. Patients with conservative as well as surgical management were completely analyzed. Their data regarding traumatic injury was recorded. Results: The mean age of patients was 22.3±5.2 years with 85% being males and 15% females enrolled. Patients who had less traumatic injury and were managed by conservative treatment has better recovery rate than surgically operated cases. Conclusion: Timely management with surgical procedure in severe injuries is required for better recovery outcomes. Keywords: Tracheobronchial injury, Subcutaneous emphysema, Traumatic surgery