• B Gupta, C Sinha, A Kumar, C Dey, S Ramchandani, S Kumar, C Sawhney, and M C Misra.
• Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center (JPNATC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India. drbabitagupta@hotmail.com.
• Eur J Trauma Emerg S. 2012 Oct 1;38(5):553-61.

PurposeLaryngotracheobronchial injuries (LTBI) are serious injuries because of their consequences in terms of ventilation, coupled with the severity of other injuries associated with them. We share our experience in managing these patients perioperatively in our level 1 trauma centre.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the records of 30 patients with LTBI who presented at Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center (JPNATC) from December 2007 to February 2011 was done. The demographics, mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, anaesthetic management and outcome in these patients were reviewed.ResultsIntrathoracic location of the injury and Injury Severity Score (ISS) had a direct correlation with the outcome of the patients. The overall mortality was 6.7 %.ConclusionMeticulous examination, details about the mechanism of injury, careful diagnostic evaluation, and skilful airway and surgical management are necessary for a better outcome in patients with airway injuries. A high degree of suspicion in occult injuries and liberal use of a fibreoptic bronchoscope aids diagnosis and management. Prompt airway management in the pre-hospital setting before transfer to a higher level trauma centre ensures better outcomes.

3 keywords...

hide…