Life-threatening tracheal obstruction from mucosal flap.

Abstract

Herein, we reported an uncommon case of life-threatening airway obstruction that occurred in an 83-year-old man who underwent a difficult intubation and was extubated 48 hours later. After extubation, he experienced acute respiratory distress, stridor, and hypoxemia. Bronchoscopy evaluation showed mobile tracheal flap causing severe obstruction and was followed by a rigid bronchoscopy with mechanical removal of the lesion and restored of airway patency. At one month follow-up no recurrence was found.