A Case of Combined Rupture of the Trachea and Esophagus following Blunt Chest Trauma for which an Approach by Median Sternotomy and the Grearter Omental Flap were Effective

Abstract

We report a case of tracheoesophageal rupture following blunt trauma. A 56-year-old man falling directly onhis chest against a steel frame was conscious but his face, neck, and chest were swollen with palpable emphysema.He was immediately intubated nasally for dyspnea, and chest CT showed obvious tracheal rupture andpneumomediastium. Esophagoscopy showed esophageal rupture necessitating immediate surgery via a mediansternotomy. The trachea and esophagus were repaired. The pedicled greater omentum was interposedbetween the trachea and the esophagus to prevent the formation of a tracheoesophageal fistula, effectively ensuringrepair due to relatively low aggressive insult and good operative view.