Tracheal Tear During Intubation

Background

Mrs H was admitted to hospital for an arthroscopy, which was planned as a day case and performed under general anaesthetic.

During recovery, she developed an oedematous face, neck and arms. An x-ray confirmed surgical emphysema, and after further investigation, it was revealed that during the procedure she had suffered a tracheal tear (which extended into the right bronchus). She was transferred to another hospital for repair surgery and was discharged a week later.

This surgical negligence claim was pursued because Mrs H was not appropriately consented and would have opted for regional anaesthesia had the risks been explained and the option offered to her. Secondly, with adequate performance of the intubation, the injury would have been avoided.

On the balance of probabilities, Mrs H's injury arose because the tracheal tube was inserted to an excessive depth; the cuff from the tracheal tube was overinflated, and then repositioned without being deflated, causing a tear to the surrounding tissue.

Settlement

Proceedings were issued, with the Defendants initially denying both breach of duty and causation. Eventually, the claim was settled shortly before trial for £20,000, with £10,000 representing special damages.

This case was led by Corrina Mottram.

NOTE: While our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including effects on life expectancy, the severity of the medical negligence that took place, and the financial impact.