Unexpected tracheal tube cuff leak due to tracheal deformity in a patient with bronchiectasis

Abstract

A 62-year-old man with a history of bronchiectasis was listed for a total nephroureterectomy for urological malignancy. General anaesthesia was induced and facemask ventilation was performed with ease. A 7.5-mm internal diameter tracheal tube (Parker Flex Tip, P3 Medical, Bristol, United Kingdom) was easily advanced into the trachea, to a depth of 22 cm. A large cuff leak was noted despite gradual inflation of the cuff with 15 ml of air. Mechanical ventilation was ineffective. The tracheal tube was exchanged for tubes of 8.0 mm then 9.0 mm internal diameter but a large cuff leak persisted. A supraglottic airway device provided sufficient seal for the provision of mechanical ventilation whilst discussion ensued on how to proceed. Figure 1 Computed tomography images of the thorax and corresponding tracheal schematic: (a) upper trachea; (b) mid trachea; (c) distal trachea.