[A case of left main bronchial rupture due to bronchocath tube]

A 68-year-old woman underwent a right upper lobectomy for lung cancer. After resection, we noticed the left main bronchial rupture due to bronchocath tube (polyvinyl chloride double lumen tube). The lesion of the rupture was repaired by interrupted sutures with 4-0 prolene. Subsequent course of the patient was uneventful. Tracheobronchial rupture is rare complication of intubation with polyvinyl chloride double lumen tube. There are 6 cases of this complication last five years in Japan. The cause and prevention of this complications are described. It is important to use an adequate tube size, to prevent malposition of the tube and overinflation of the bronchial balloon.