[Bronchoscopy in thoracic trauma]

Thoracic trauma often bears difficult problems of diagnosis and treatment. This paper reports 87 procedures on 20 severe thoracic injured patients, who have also suffered multiple injuries, to whom was performed bronchoscopy. These cases were regarding gender, age, traumatic cause, associated injuries and dynamic endo-bronchial aspect. There are detailed technique used in bronchoscopy and bronchoscopic suction, additional diagnostic procedures, technical tips, incidents and are also reported close and follow up results in these cases. We discuss indications of bronchoscopy and broncho-aspiration in thoracic trauma from diagnostic and treatment point of view. Conclusions underline major role of bronchoscopy in the management of severe thoracic trauma.