Abstract |
Tracheobronchial injuries are relatively uncommon, often require a degree of clinical suspicion to make the diagnosis, and usually require immediate management. The primary initial goals are twofold: stabilize the airway and define the extent and location of injury. These are often facilitated by flexible bronchoscopy, in the hands of a surgeon capable of managing these injuries. Most penetrating injuries occur in the cervical area. Most blunt injuries occur in the distal trachea or right mainstem, and are best approached by a right posterolateral thoracotomy. Choice and timing of approach are dictated by the presence and severity of associated injuries. The mainstay of intraoperative management remains a single-lumen endotracheal tube. Most injuries can be repaired by simple techniques, using interrupted sutures, but some require complex reconstructive techniques. Follow-up to detect stenosis or anastomotic technique is important, as is attention to pulmonary toilet.
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Authors | Riyad Karmy-Jones, Douglas E Wood |
Journal | Thoracic surgery clinics
(Thorac Surg Clin)
Vol. 17
Issue 1
Pg. 35-46
(Feb 2007)
ISSN: 1547-4127 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17650695
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Topics |
- Bronchi
(injuries)
- Humans
- Trachea
(injuries)
- Wounds, Nonpenetrating
(diagnosis, etiology, surgery)
- Wounds, Penetrating
(diagnosis, etiology, surgery)
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