Tracheal Compression Caused by a Hematoma After Redo Aortic Root Replacement

Postoperative tracheal compression caused by hematoma is extremely rare in patients who have undergone cardiovascular operations. A 65-year-old man underwent elective redo aortic root replacement. Hemostasis was controlled with Surgicel packing (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). After extubation, he had severe respiratory distress. The emergent computed tomographic scan showed severe obstruction of the tracheal bifurcation compressed by a hematoma around the packed Surgicel. During reexploration, a considerable hematoma was removed. He was extubated 1 day later and recovered to a good condition. In cases of unexplained respiratory failure, tracheal compression by hematoma around packed Surgicel should be considered.