Abstract
Percutaneous cricothyrotomy is much simpler and less invasive than conventional tracheotomy. Therefore, this procedure has been considered a useful tool for rapidly treating progressive airway obstruction. Moreover, it has recently been reported that percutaneous cricothyrotomy can be employed to manage an excess of airway secretion.
We report two cases of complications due to percutaneous cricothyrotomy in order to manage pneumonia. The first patient was a 78-year-old male with hoarseness and dysphagia after percutaneous cricothyrotomy. The tube was inserted through the thyroid cartilage into the subglottic space. After removing the tube, these symptoms disappeared. The second patient was a 76-year-old male with progressive subcutaneous emphysema around the neck after the insertion of the cricothyrotomy tube. We performed a tracheotomy under general anesthesia, and his subcutaneous emphysema improved 5 days after tracheotomy.
Although percutaneous cricothyrotomy is an effective method for treating airway obstruction, its indications should be decided cautiously, except in cases of airway obstruction. After emergent cricothyrotomy, it is recommended the location of the cricothyrotomy tube be confirmed.
