Tracheobronchial injuries are rare but potentially life threatening. Their manifestations are variable and protean and misdiagnoses are common. Successful diagnosis and treatment often require a high level of suspection and unique surgical repairs to a given injury. Tracheal and main bronchial disruptions usually occurs after blunt chest trauma in the vicinity of the carina. Tracheobronchial disruptions occurred associated with high-energy impact trauma, and associated injuries were more common than they were to occur alone. Common presenting signs included subcutaneous emphysema, dyspnea, sternal tenderness, and hemoptysis. The most common were radiographic findings pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and clavicle or rib fractures. Rigid bronchoscopy and fiberoptic bronchoscopy were both highly accurate for the diagnosis but only when performed by trained thoracic surgeons. Emphasis has been placed on the importance of early diagnosis, to avoid the complications associated with a delayed repair. The etiological mechanisms, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are reviewed and discussed.
Chest trauma; Tracheobronchial injury; Injuries of the trachea and major bronchi
