Weaning difficulty in a near hanging patient: An unusual cause

Abstract

Suicidal hanging causes damage to the airways, neck blood vessels as well as soft tissue injuries. We report the development of tracheo-esophageal fistula in such a patient. Recurrent soiling of the airways and the resultant lung infection led to weaning failure. We highlight the approach to diagnosis and appropriate management in such a patient.

Keywords

• Hanging
• tracheoesophageal fistula
• weaning failure