[Blunt tracheobronchial injuries in children]

Blunt tracheobronchial injuries in children are rare and are associated with many diagnostic problems. Based on the successful outcome in a seven- and a twelve-year-old patient operated within 12 hours after the accident the authors discuss the development of the symptomatology and early clinical, X-ray, bronchoscopic and CT diagnosis of rupture which are, if intensive care and early treatment of the injury are ensured, the basis for preserving normal pulmonary function and ensure prevention of sequelae due to obstruction and infection. The children were admitted to hospital for 22 and 14 days resp. and discharged in a good condition. The check-up examinations of both patients are within the normal range and there are no limitations as compared with healthy children of the same age.