[Injuries to the tracheobronchial system (author's transl)]

The primary aim in the treatment of penetrating bronchial injuries must be preservation of the organ. 4 cases of traumatic injury to the bronchi are analysed. If the clinical and/or roentgenological signs suggest involvement of a bronchus the suspicion must be verified by bronchoscopy; if the diagnosis is confirmed, thoracotomy is indicated. In 3 patients the operation was performed within 8 hours of the accident. The bronchial defect was closed by chromcat interrupted sutures. Potential complications and the prognosis of these cases are discussed.