Dehradun: In a remarkable life-saving effort, doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, successfully treated a 45-year-old woman who suffered a rare and extremely dangerous windpipe injury following a road accident near Haridwar.
Ms. Poonam, a school teacher, was riding as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle when her dupatta got caught in the wheel, violently pulling her neck and causing severe internal injuries. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate care and was later referred to Max Hospital, Dehradun, for advanced and specialized care as her condition continued to deteriorate.
Upon arrival, doctors noted alarming signs, including injuries to the head and neck, extensive air trapped under the skin, and air leakage into the chest, strongly indicating a serious airway injury. Over the next 24 hours, her breathing became increasingly difficult, pushing the medical team into a race against time.
Securing the patient’s airway was particularly challenging due to the extent of the damage. A detailed CT scan confirmed the patient had sustained a near-complete tear of the windpipe, a rare injury that can prove fatal if not managed immediately. An emergency surgery was performed by a multi-disciplinary team of doctors led by Dr. Arvind Makker, Director – Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Surgery, Max Hospital, Dehradun, to repair the torn windpipe along-with Dr. Iram Khan, Senior Consultant- ENT Surgery.
Speaking on the case, Dr Arvind Makker, said, “After the initial recovery, the patient developed swelling in the throat along with air leakage into one side of the chest, which again compromised her breathing. Our team immediately stabilised her condition and conducted detailed evaluations, which confirmed that the windpipe repair was intact. To safeguard the healing airway and allow the swelling to settle without exerting pressure on the repaired segment, we performed a temporary tracheostomy (a surgical procedure creating a short-term opening in the windpipe to bypass upper airway obstructions). This step was crucial in ensuring safe breathing and a smooth recovery.”
Further, Dr Arvind, said, “Traumatic windpipe injuries are extremely rare and can be fatal if not recognised and treated promptly. In this case, the airway was almost completely torn, making both diagnosis and airway management exceptionally challenging. The outcome was possible only because of rapid decision-making, advanced surgical intervention, and close coordination between multiple specialties. Seeing the patient recover and return to her normal life is deeply rewarding for the entire team.”
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, is equipped with advanced critical care infrastructure, state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities, and a highly experienced multidisciplinary medical team capable of managing complex and rare emergencies.
