The management of gunshot and stab injuries of the trachea

With violence escalating in our society, there has been an increase in the number of gunshot and stab injuries of the trachea. In an effort to determine the natural history and appropriate management of these injuries, a review of the records of patients suffering gunshot or stab injuries of the trachea treated at Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, between 1975 and 1979 was performed. Seventeen patients were treated, seven with stab wounds and nine with gunshot wounds and one with both; primary repair of the trachea was performed in all injuries and stenosis developed in three patients. The management of tracheal stenosis and complications after repair will be discussed with case histories.