Fractured Tracheostomy Tube - An Unusual Foreign Body in Tracheobronchial Tree

Abstract

Introduction
 Approximately 20% of patients with tracheostomy are discharged from hospital with the tracheostomy tube in situ. Proper long term care and management of such tracheostomy patients remains as a challenge to care givers. Fracture of metallic tracheostomy tube (TT) with aspiration of the fragment into tracheobronchial airway is a rare complication of tracheostomy.
 Case Report
 Here we are presenting a case of a 42-year-old male patient, presented to the emergency department with complaint of mild respiratory distress following aspiration of fractured metallic TT and a novel method in removing the dislodged fragment.
 Discussion
 A detailed review of literature has been included to discuss different aspects of aspiration of fractured fragment of tracheostomy tube and best practice recommendations for proper tracheostomy care.
 Conclusion
 Educating the care-giver about care of the tracheostomized patient in general and care of the tracheostomy tube in particular, may help reduce accidental complications.