Successful treatment of a combined bronchial and aortic trauma

Abstract

Tracheobronchial injury is an uncommon but severe complication of blunt thoracic trauma. In this study, we present a patient who developed complete avulsion of the left main bronchus with a vertical rupture toward the carina accompanying a contained rupture of the descending aorta after being run over by a van.We performed a left upper lobectomy and reimplantation of the lower lobe to the left main bronchus. Subsequently, an endovascular stent was placed to cover the pseudoaneurysm.The patient was discharged on day nine after an uneventful postoperative course. Tracheobronchial trauma complicated with concomitant major injuries apparently requires a rapid and challenging multidisciplinary approach in a well-developed and experienced trauma centre for a successful treatment.