Clear-Cut Complete Rupture of Origin of Right Main Bronchus

Abstract

Complete rupture of the main bronchus after blunt thoracic trauma is rare. Most patients with blunt traumatic injury to the trachea or bronchus die before arriving at hospital. A 26-year-old man with complete right main bronchus rupture was successfully treated by urgent surgical intervention and postoperative fiberoptic bronchoscopy for bronchial toilet.

Right main bronchus rupture due to blunt chest trauma

“…The fact that right‐sided bronchial injuries occur more frequently probably related to the shorter length of the right main bronchus, and to the heavier right lung which may cause more traction on the right bronchus and because the left bronchus is relatively protected by its longer mediastinal course and the surrounding peribronchial tissues …”

Traumatic intrathoracic tracheobronchial injuries: A study of 78 cases

“…The most useful diagnostic method in many series was bronchoscopy, and it was performed in all suspected patients as it is the most reliable means of establishing the site, nature, and extent of major airway disruption. 3,14,16,17 Early in this study, we proceeded to flexible bronchoscopy, and later, we depended on virtual bronchoscopy for diagnosis. Bronchoscopic examination was undertaken in 46% of our patients and in 69% in other series.…”

“…19 Tracheobronchial injuries are commonly associated with persistent air leak with pneumothoraces. 20,17 We had 7 patients with continuous air leak; they were transported to the operating room and rigid bronchoscopy was carried out. Management included maintaining adequate, but not excessive, ventilation.…”

Carinal injury: An airway challenge for anesthesiologists

“…[2] This site preponderance is because of shearing forces between the fixed carina or proximal bronchus and the mobile distal bronchi/lungs. [3]…”