Title:Diagnosis and Management of Trauma to the Trachea and Bronchi
VOLUME: 11 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Katherine Peters, Jessica Thunell and Riyad Karmy-Jones
Affiliation:Division of Trauma, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, 2801 N. Gantabein Ave., Suite 130, Portland, OR 97227, USA.
Keywords:Airway, bronchus, trachea, trauma.
Abstract:Tracheobronchial injuries are uncommon, occuring in as few as 0.5% of patients following
injury. The incidence is highest following penetrating neck and the lowest as 2% following blunt chest
injury. While commonly presenting as immediately life threatening injuries, they may present in a
more occult fashion with late onset of hemoptysis, recurrent pneumonia and/or “asthma.” Management
must be immediately directed to securing the airway, which may require advanced bronchoscopic
skills. Subsequent repair must take into account the severity of associated injuries and exact location
and degree of airway disruption.
