Traumatic perforation of the trachea in two horses caused by orotracheal intubation

Abstract

Two of 348 horses that underwent gastrointestinal surgery under general anaesthesia developed perforations in their tracheas caused by the endotracheal tube. In one case the damage was probably caused when the horse was being moved from the induction room for surgery and excessive traction was exerted on the tube when the anaesthetic machine was moved too far ahead of the horse. The trachea of the other horse may have been damaged when it was intubated.

Use of fibrin sealant in a horse with an intratracheal dorsal laceration

“…Iatrogenic perforations following the endotracheal intubation have also been reported (Saulez et al . ). The superficial anatomical position of the equine trachea results in a high vulnerability during traumatic events.…”

“…; Saulez et al . , ), ventrally (Graham et al . ) or laterally (Caron and Townsend ) have been reported.…”

“…; Saulez et al . , ). In the absence of external wounds, the lesion often stays unrecognised until the efflux of air into the subcutaneous tissues results in subcutaneous emphysema.…”

Tracheal rupture following general anaesthesia in a horse

“…In the horse, traumatic intubation and movement of the ETT may have led to rupture of the trachea in two separate cases (Saulez et al . ).…”

“…) but tracheal rupture is a rarely reported occurrence in this species (Saulez et al . ). Risk factors in humans include traumatic intubation and overinflation of the cuff but anatomical abnormalities may also contribute.…”