Spontaneous resolution of traumatic bronchial tear after thoracic crush injury

Traumatic bronchial tears are rare life-threatening injuries. Here, we report a 28-year old male who presented after sustaining a crush injury to his thoracic cavity, resulting in a spiral left mainstem bronchial tear secondary to high intraluminal pressure. While preparing for surgery, a preoperative bronchoscopy found that the bronchial tear had re-approximated and effectively sealed the laceration. No operative intervention was performed and the patient subsequently underwent a full recovery. While most bronchial tears undergo surgical intervention, our report describes the successful management of a bronchial tear injury with a non-operative approach and supportive care.