The use of surgical sealant to repair intubation-related tracheal injury

Abstract

This case study describes the management of a tracheal injury following emergency intubation in a 56-year-old man. After collapsing from heavy alcohol ingestion, intubation was performed using a bougie, leading to a punctate tracheal wound. Initial conservative treatment with antibiotics was followed by bronchoscopy, revealing a tracheal laceration. Rigid bronchoscopy was then performed, and the wound was closed using BioGlue® surgical sealant. The patient made a full recovery, with follow-up bronchoscopy confirming complete healing. This case highlights the effectiveness of BioGlue® as a minimally invasive alternative for tracheal wound closure, reducing the need for more complex interventions.