Successful repair of a transected intrathoracic trachea after chest trauma

A 28-year-old man had a transection of the intrathoracic trachea in a head-on collision. Prompt diagnosis with a flexible bronchoscope, expeditious thoracotomy, and distal tracheal intubation proved lifesaving and allowed for meticulous repair of the disrupted trachea. The patient is asymptomatic 1 year later.