Tracheostomy Tube Traversing the Right Thyroid Lobe: A Rare Cause of Post-tracheostomy Bleeding
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s12070-026-06820-1
- Journal Name: Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Computed tomography, Hemorrhage, Thyroid, Tracheostomy
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure for patients requiring prolonged airway support, but complications such as hemorrhage remain a concern. Bleeding is usually related to thyroid isthmus or peritracheal vessel injury; however, direct thyroid lobe penetration has not been reported. An 81-year-old male with multiple comorbidities underwent elective bedside percutaneous tracheostomy after prolonged intubation. Post-procedurally, persistent oozing-type bleeding was noted around the tracheostomy site. Contrast-enhanced CT angiography demonstrated that the tracheostomy tube had traversed the right thyroid lobe parenchyma before entering the trachea. The patient was managed conservatively with vitamin K, platelet transfusion, and fresh frozen plasma, achieving hemostasis without surgical intervention. This case describes a rare complication of tracheostomy in which the tube directly passed through the thyroid lobe. Awareness of this possibility is crucial in cases of unexplained bleeding, and preprocedural imaging or ultrasound guidance may help prevent thyroid injury in high-risk patients.