Management of iatrogenic bronchial tear during one-lung ventilation for robotic thoracic surgery

Intra-operative airway injuries in robotic thoracic surgery pose unique challenges for the anaesthetist and surgeon. Close communication between the anaesthetic and surgical team is vital in providing adequate one-lung ventilation and a successful operation. We describe a case of intra-operative iatrogenic surgical bronchial tear and subsequent bronchial cuff rupture, requiring immediate specialist anaesthetic management. Management priorities include providing safe oxygenation, ventilation and subsequent lung isolation to allow completion of lung resection.