LATE MANIFESTATION OF TRACHEAL RUPTURE AFTER THYROIDECTOMY: CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Objective: To report an extremely rare case of delayed tracheal rupture after thyroidectomy and to review the existing related literature.Methods: We present the history, clinical findings, radiographic evaluation, management, and intraoperative findings in a patient who presented with subcutaneous emphysema 9 days after total thyroidectomy. In addition, we review the literature and discuss the diagnostic challenges as well as management options.Results: A 17-year-old female patient underwent a total thyroidectomy for Graves disease. On postoperative day 9, the patient presented with face and neck swelling attributable to subcutaneous emphysema. After conservative management failed, the patient underwent surgical exploration of the neck, which revealed a 2.5-cm linear vertical tear in the anterior aspect of the trachea, with no evidence of necrosis. The tear had viable edges and was primarily repaired with use of muscle flap reinforcement. The patient recovered with no other complications.Conclusion: Dela...