ABSTRACT

Introduction: Diagnosis of tracheobronchial tree rupture is difficult. It occurs as a consequence of high speed motor vehicle accidents. The aim of this work is to report a case of traumatic right main bronchus rupture, with late reimplantation. Clinical case: 24 year old female status post motor vehicle accident, rib fractures, bilateral pneumothorax, managed with bilateral closed thoracostomies and mechanical ventilatory support. Presented complete right lung atelectasis since day two which persisted and in spite of which the chest tubes were withdrawn on day 15, and she was discharged home. Atelectasis persisted three weeks later. A bronchoscopy confirmed complete obstruction of the right main bronchus. She underwent bronchial reimplantation through a right thoracotomy 45 days after the accident. Full lung expansion was achieved and follow-up at 10 weeks was without complications. Discussion: Late recognition and incorrect treatment of this kind of injuries increases mortality and morbidity. Dealing with chronic injuries, direct repair is indicated if lung parenchyma is not damaged, even months or years after the lesion.

KEYWORDS

Blunt chest trauma, bronchial injury, tracheobronchial rupture.

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