Neonatal tracheal perforation. A complication of tracheal intubation.

Tracheal perforation following intubation in the neonatal period is rarely reported but is a serious complication that should be considered whenever difficulty in ventilation, surgical emphysema or pneumothoraces appear following intubation. Management includes the immediate and skilled replacement of the tube within the tracheal lumen and control of the air leak. Factors which increase the likelihood of occurrence of perforation are discussed.