From Respiratory Distress to Spontaneous Relief: The Case of a Fractured Tracheostomy Tube

Tracheostomy is a widely accepted procedure for maintaining airway patency, but it can lead to both early and late complications. While rare, tracheostomy tube (TT) fracture is a serious complication that may occur, particularly in patients who have used the device for an extended period. We report the case of a patient with a long-term metal tracheostomy tube who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea due to the fragmentation and displacement of the TT into the tracheobronchial tree. This unusual event prompted urgent intervention for foreign body removal. After stabilization, a chest X-ray confirmed the position of the fractured tube, and although bronchoscopic removal was planned, the patient was able to expel the broken tube spontaneously following a vigorous coughing effort. This case highlights the importance of careful monitoring in long-term tracheostomy patients, as well as the potential risks associated with prolonged use of tracheostomy tubes. Regular cleaning, routine surveillance, and scheduled replacement of the tube are critical preventive measures to reduce the risk of such complications.