Iatrogenic perforation of the bronchus intermedius in a 1,100-g neonate

A 1,100-g infant was found to have a right tension pneumothorax following multiple attempts at endotracheal intubation. Despite the use of high-frequency ventilation, adequate oxygenation was not possible. Bronchoscopy was hazardous, and bronchography of the right lung using propyliodone oil suspension confirmed perforation of the bronchus intermedius. At thoracotomy, while on high-frequency ventilation, the size of the perforation precluded suture repair, and right middle and lower lobectomies were performed. Follow-up at 1 year showed a small, though healthy infant. Review of the surgical literature has not documented successful operative management of bronchial perforation in a neonate. Selective bronchography was precise in identifying the site of perforation and was well tolerated.