[Acute respiratory tract obstruction during thyroid operation: analysis of 10 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the causes and management of acute respiratory tract obstruction in patients undergoing thyroid operation.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted in 10 such cases that we encountered in our 11 years' experience with thyroid operation.

RESULTS

Respiratory tract obstructions occurred in 10(0.31%) of 3,186 cases during thyroid operation. The causes for the obstructions included tracheomalacia in 2 cases, hematoma compression in 5 cases, trachea convulsion in 2 cases and phlegm obstruction in 1 case. Tracheotomy or intratracheal intubation was performed in 6 cases and hematoma removal in 4 cases, with the occurrence of death in 1 case.

CONCLUSION

Hematoma compression and tracheomalacia etc. are among the most common causes of acute respiratory tract obstruction during thyroid operation, the occasion of which demands immediate implementation of tracheotomy or intratracheal intubation.