Nonoperative management of large tracheal injuries

Abstract

Tracheobronchial injuries occur rarely as the result of trauma or iatrogenically from airway intubation. Classic surgical teaching mandates prompt diagnosis and surgical repair. More recently, however, support for nonoperative management of tracheal injuries in selected patients has been established. We present 2 cases of large iatrogenic tracheal injuries managed successfully without operative intervention and with excellent clinical outcomes.