Major tracheobronchial injuries: Management of two rare cases

Tracheobronchial injuries are uncommon and a high level of suspicion is needed for immediate diagnosis and prompt treatment. In this case series, two rare cases of tracheobronchial injuries is described showing variable clinical presentations with different levels of injury. Our first case was seen in a 20 years old male whom had a direct impact on the neck and presented with upper tracheal injury. On arrival, this patient was in respiratory distress and had bilateral pneumothorax. Bilateral chest tube was inserted with subsequent neck exploration. During the neck exploration, anastomosis of the injured trachea was performed. The second case was represented by a 35 years old man with right main bronchial injury. Upon initial presentation, this patient appeared well and was comfortable under room air. However he gradually deteriorated one week after the trauma requiring surgical intervention. Eventually a thoracotomy with primary anastomosis of the bronchial tear was performed. Details of both cases including clinical presentation, imaging and procedures done will be discussed in this article.