T-tube aspiration : revisiting a rare life-threatening event

Abstract EN

T-tubes are generally safe artificial airways used to stent and maintain the laryngotracheal airway in patients with stenosis or after laryngotracheal reconstruction.

T-tube related airway complications are uncommon but potentially life-threatening.

T-tube aspiration is rarely reported in the literature and may occur after coughing episodes and deep inspiration.

Two cases of T-tube aspiration in patients with traumatic brain injury and laryngotracheal stenosis are presented, where altered mental status contributed to the aspiration events.

Otolaryngologists need to be aware of T-tube related airway complications, specifically T-tube aspiration, especially in traumatic brain injury patients who may be at higher risk.