Traumatic Bronchial Transection: Surgical Repair after a Delayed Diagnosis in a Child

Tracheobronchial injuries in children following blunt chest trauma are rare and often life-threatening. A 3-year-old boy presented with a delayed diagnosis of right main bronchus transection, 8 months postinjury. Initial symptoms were minimal and managed expectantly. Imaging and bronchoscopy confirmed primary bronchial transection. Surgical repair was performed through a right thoracotomy with end-to-end bronchial anastomosis, resulting in successful lung re-expansion and recovery. This case highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion and thorough evaluation in posttrauma patients leading to lung salvageability.