[Trachea and main bronchi in thoracal trauma (author's transl)]

On the whole, only few lesions of the trachea and main bronchi are amenable to treatment. The ideal treatment is that which is applied immediately in so far as successful management of the acute shock has been achieved. Reluctance to effect mechanical stabilisation of the thoracic wall by means of wires or metal plates, has been fortunately abandoned. The increased application of fibre bronchoscopy by surgical intensive-care units, or regular consultation of a bronchologist or thoracic surgeon, has improved chances of earlier detection of any serious lesion of the main respiratory tract. Lesions of the parenchyma are important and significant only to the extent as they can become serious or insurmountable obstacles during immediate dressing and final surgical treatment if they are present side by side with a lesion of the trachea or of the main bronchi.