Traumatic Tracheobronchial Injuries Research Articles

Traumatische tracheobronchiale Verletzungen – Empfehlung der interdisziplinären Arbeitsgruppe der DGT und DGU zur Etablierung einer einheitlichen Klassifikation für Diagnostik und Therapie

Traumatic tracheobronchial injuries are extremely rare. In comparison, iatrogenic injuries are somewhat more common. A literature search revealed that there is a large number of case reports and small case series for this clinical entity. There are hardly any reviews and they usually have a low level of evidence. One reason for this is the lack of a classification to allow comparison of the individual cases with each other. There is only one classification for iatrogenic injuries of the posterior tracheal wall, which the authors modified and expanded with regard to traumatic tracheobronchial injuries. This classification was extended by the authors to also include traumatic injuries. A three-digit classification is presented here. The grading of the injury covers the entire spectrum of injury patterns, from peribronchial emphysema to wall injuries of different depths to subtotal and complete rupture of the bronchus. In addition, the anatomical location and the cause of the injury were added to the classification. The levels of injury in the tracheobronchial tree are distinguished anatomically. The third digit distinguishes traumatic, iatrogenic and spontaneous injuries. On the basis of the three-digit classification resulting from these parameters, it is possible to group individual cases together and to develop recommendations for diagnostics and therapy.

RARE CASE OF A NONTRAUMATIC LEFT MAIN BRONCHIAL TEAR

RARE CASE OF A NONTRAUMATIC LEFT MAIN BRONCHIAL TEAR

Traumatic injuries to the trachea and bronchi: a narrative review.

ObjectiveIn this narrative review, we aim to provide a definition of traumatic tracheo-bronchial injuries as well as an approach to their diagnosis and management, including operative and non-operative strategies.BackgroundTraumatic tracheo-bronchial injuries are relatively uncommon, but are associated with a high mortality, both at the scene and among patients who survive to hospital. Management often requires an emergency airway, usually intubation over a flexible bronchoscope, followed by definitive repair.MethodsThe published literature on the diagnosis and management of traumatic airway injuries was searched through PubMed. Additional references were identified from the bibliography of relevant publications identified. The evidence was then summarized in a narrative fashion, incorporating the authors’ knowledge, experience, and perspective on the topic.ConclusionsDefinitive diagnosis of traumatic tracheo-bronchial injuries usually involves direct visualization through liberal use of bronchoscopy in addition to cross-sectional imaging to evaluate for associated injuries, notably to the great vessels and esophagus. Important considerations for management include concerns for airway obstruction, uncontrolled air leak, and mediastinitis. Early repair of injuries recognized acutely is favored in attempts to prevent the development of airway stenosis. Key operative principles include exposure, conservative debridement to preserve length when possible, creation of a tension-free anastomosis, preservation of the blood supply, and creation of a tracheostomy, particularly in polytrauma patients. An interposition muscle flap is also required, specifically in the setting of combined esophageal and airway injuries. Patients with penetrating injuries tend to have more favorable outcomes, possibly on account of fewer concomitant injuries. Selective non-operative management is also an option in the subset of patients with iatrogenic injuries to the posterior membranous wall of the trachea, and includes broad-spectrum antibiotics and surveillance bronchoscopy.

WITHDRAWN: Blunt traumatic tracheobronchial injury: A case series and a clinical pathway

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Traumatic tracheobronchial injuries: incidence and outcome of 136.389 patients derived from the DGU traumaregister

To describe the incidence, therapy and outcome of traumatic tracheobronchial injuries (TTBI) in trauma patients with multiple injuries derived from the DGU TraumaRegister. We analyzed the data on all patients listed on the TraumaRegister DGU (TR-DGU) in Germany between 2002 and 2015 aged 16 years or older and with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of ≥ 9. We analyzed the data on 136,389 trauma patients, 561 of whom had suffered tracheobronchial injuries (0.4%). The majority were male (73.4%) and had a mean age of 43.7 years. In total, 84.0% of all TTBI injuries occurred secondary to blunt trauma, caused mainly by accidents (71.2%). TTBI was accompanied by several concomitant thoracic injuries such as pneumo- (41.2%) and hemothorax (23.2%), lacerations (7.8%) and contusions (32.3%) of the lung, as well as multiple rib fractures (29.6%). The severity of injury was classified via the abbreviated injury scale (AIS): 39.3% with AIS = 3, 51.3% with AIS = 4 and 60% with AIS = 5 patients underwent surgical interventions. The mortality of patients with tracheobronchial injuries was higher: 24.6%, versus 13.7% in all patients (control group). This high percentage reflects their generally severe injury burden through concomitant injuries. The incidence of TTBI in this large cohort of trauma patients is very low. However, its high mortality rate emphasizes its importance. Mortality was associated with higher ISS and AIS scores. Higher rates of concomitant injuries were therefore associated with a higher mortality rate. TTBI injuries revealed a higher rate of progression to surgical management, with 35% undergoing surgery within the first 24 h. This excessive mortality rate demonstrates a high overall injury burden in patients with TTBI and high mortality of associated injuries. A surgical intervention’s impact on mortality cannot be assessed in this study, as it would need to be investigated in a case-matched study.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to traumatic bronchial fistula closure

Traumatic tracheobronchial injuries occur in 1% of patients with thoracic trauma, most of them dying at the site of the trauma. In this case report, we present a 26-year-old female patient admitted to the ICU due to a blunt chest trauma causing life threatening hypoxaemia and acidosis; deciding to implant percutaneous venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The use of percutaneous venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, implemented with a lower anticoagulation target, allowed the diagnosis and treatment of a bronchopleural fistula under conditions of respiratory and hemodynamic stability without haemorrhagic complications, obtaining a fast and adequate assistance achieving the survival of the patient.

Tracheobronchial injuries: tertiary center experience.

Background Tracheobronchial injury is a rare and serious outcome of thoracic trauma. The aim of this study was to describe our experience in the management of tracheobronchial injuries. Methods We reviewed the presentation, line of management, and results of all 23 patients (17 males and 6 females) with a mean age of 27.87 years, who presented with traumatic tracheobronchial injuries and were admitted to the level 3 trauma center of our university emergency hospital over an eight-year period. Results Blunt trauma was the leading cause (73.9%) of injury. Bronchoscopy was routinely performed. A right thoracotomy was carried out in 73.9% of patients. The right main bronchus was the most common site of injury (30.4%), followed by the trachea in 26.1%. Pulmonary resection was undertaken in 5 cases. Three operative mortalities were recorded. Conclusion Tracheobronchial injuries can be treated conservatively or ideally by surgical repair which is the core line of treatment. Surgery has excellent outcomes depending on skillful use of bronchoscopy and the surgeon’s experience of the surgical approach and technique.

Complete Tracheal Transection Following Blunt Trauma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Traumatic tracheobronchial injury is rare, but can be life-threatening. It is often associated with other fatal injuries. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to produce the best outcome. We are reporting a 40-year-old gentleman, a lorry driver who had a head on collision with a car. He was brought to the casualty with an intact airway. ATLS was initiated and lead by trauma team. Subsequently in casualty, his conscious level dropped and he became distressed, hence a standard orotracheal intubation was performed. Following intubation, he developed massive subcutaneous emphysema to the neck and upper chest. Computed tomography (CT) showed tracheal injury at C7- T2 level, extensive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum with malposition of the endotracheal tube. Emergency neck exploration was performed in operating theatre, and revealed a complete transection of trachea at the level of 2nd and 3rd tracheal ring. No other vital structures were injured. A tracheostomy was created, and the patient was managed in ICU for one day. Four days following the first surgery, he was transferred to a more specialized center for tracheal refashioning and anastomosis. The patient was discharged home later without a tracheostomy. In tracheobronchial injury, high level of suspicion based on clinical judgement is vital for prompt diagnosis, with adjunct of radiological investigation. Surgical intervention to establish a patent airway in operating theatre is undoubtedly crucial in a complete tracheal transection to prevent secondary insult from tissue hypoxia. In managing such injury, advance preparation should include setups for bronchoscopy and thoracotomy. Patient survival depends on preparation and prompt surgical intervention. A tailored surgical approach is often necessary for definitive repair.

Tracheal injury during extraction of an esophageal foreign body: Repair utilizing venovenous ECMO

Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of life support with an ever-expanding range of indications. Veno-venous (VV) ECMO is often utilized to support children with respiratory compromise, and has been employed successfully in the acute setting of traumatic tracheobronchial injury as well as during elective tracheal surgery. We present a successful case of VV ECMO used in the perioperative management of a tracheal repair for a traumatic laceration caused by attempts to retrieve an esophageal foreign body. While this mechanism of injury appears to be rare, we believe that VV-ECMO allowed for the optimal management of this child and should be considered for other extensive tracheal injuries in children.

The Surgical Outcome for Patients with Tracheobronchial Injury in Blunt Group and Penetrating Group

Purpose: Tracheobronchial injuries caused by trauma are rare, but can be life threatening. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome for patients with tracheobronchial injuries and to determine the difference, if any, between the outcomes for patients with penetrating trauma and those for patients with blunt trauma. Methods: From January 2010 to June 2015, 40 patients underwent tracheobronchial repair surgery due to trauma. We excluded 14 patients with iatrogenic injuries, and divided the remaining 26 into two groups. Results: In the blunt trauma group, injury mechanisms were motor vehicle accident (9 cases), free falls (3 cases), flat falls (1 case) and mechanical injury (1 case). In the penetrating trauma group, injury mechanisms were stab wounds (10 cases), a gunshot wound (1 case) and a stab wound caused by metal pieces (1 case). The mean RTS (Revised Trauma Score) was 6.89±1.59 (range: 2.40-7.84) and the mean ISS (Injury Severity Score) was 24.36±7.16 (range: 11-34) in the blunt group; the mean RTS was 7.56±0.41 (range: 7.11-7.84), and the mean ISS was 13±5.26 (range: 9-25) in the penetrating trauma group. In the blunt trauma group, 9 primary repairs, 1 resection with end-end anastomosis, 2 lobectomies, 1 sleeve bronchial resection and 1 pneumonectomy were performed. In the penetrating trauma group, 10 primary repairs and 2 resections with end-end anastomosis were performed. Complications associated with surgery were found in one patient in the blunt trauma group, and one patient in the penetrating trauma group. No mortalities occurred in either groups. Conclusion: Surgical management of a traumatic tracheobronchial injury is a safe procedure for both patients with a penetrating trauma and those with a blunt trauma. [ J Trauma Inj 2016; 29: 1-7 ]

Traumatic Tracheobronchial Injuries - Incidence and Outcome among 68.216 Trauma Patients Derived from the TraumaRegister DGU®

Objectives: Acute tracheobronchial injuries (TBI) resulting from blunt or penetrating trauma are rare, but potential life-threatening trauma sequelae. Up to now the incidence and mortality of these injuries are not well described. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and outcome of traumatic TBI within the last decade.

Traumatic Tracheobronchial Injury: Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment Outcome

BackgroundMost traumatic tracheobronchial injuries are fatal and result in death. Some milder cases are not life threatening and are often missed at the initial presentation. Tracheobronchial rupture is difficult to diagnose in the evaluation of severe multiple trauma patients. We reviewed the traumatic tracheobronchial injuries at Konyang University and Eulji University Hospital and analyzed the clinical results.Materials and MethodsFrom January 2001 to December 2011, 23 consecutive cases of traumatic tracheobronchial injury after blunt trauma were reviewed retrospectively. We divided them into two groups by the time to diagnosis: group I was defined as the patients who were diagnosed within 48 hours from trauma and group II was the patients who diagnosed 48 hours after trauma. We compared the clinical parameters of the two groups.ResultsThere was no difference in the age and gender between the two groups. The most common cause was traffic accidents (56.5%). The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 19.6 in group I and 27.5 in group II (p=0.06), respectively. Although the difference in the ISS was not statistically significant, group II tended toward more severe injuries than group I. Computed tomography was performed in 22 cases and tracheobronchial injury was diagnosed in 5 in group I and 6 in group II, respectively (p=0.09). Eighteen patients underwent surgical treatment and all four cases of lung resection were exclusively performed in group II (p=0.03). There were two mortality cases, and the cause of death was shock and sepsis.ConclusionWe believe that close clinical observation with suspicion and rigorous bronchoscopic evaluation are necessary to perform diagnosis earlier and preserve lung parenchyma in tracheobronchial injuries from blunt trauma.

Successful Use of Extracorporeal Life Support after Double Traumatic Tracheobronchial Injury in a Patient with Severe Acute Asthma

We report the case of an asthmatic patient with blunt trachea and left main bronchus injuries who developed acute severe asthma after surgical repair. Despite medical treatment and ventilatory support, asthma persisted with high airway pressures and severe respiratory acidosis. We proposed venovenous extracorporeal life support for CO2 removal which allowed arterial blood gas normalization and airway pressures decrease. Extracorporeal life support was removed on day five after medical treatment of acute severe asthma. So we report the successful use of extracorporeal life support for operated double blunt tracheobronchial injury with acute severe asthma.

Diagnostic Methods of Traumatic Tracheobronchial Injury

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the distinguishing clinicoradiologic findings of traumatic tracheobronchial injury. Material and Method: Between January 2003 and December 2009, six patients who underwent surgical repair for traumatic tracheobronchial injury due to blunt trauma were included in this study. We evaluated the mechanism of the injury, the coexisting injuries, the time until the making diagnosis and treatment, the diagnostic methods, the anatomic location of the injury and the surgical outcomes. Result: The mechanisms of injury were traffic accident and crushing forces. The frequent symptoms were subcutaneous emphysema, dyspnea and pain, and the common radiologic findings were pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, rib fracture and lung contusion. Only 2 patients were diagnosed by chest CT and the others were not diagnosed preoperatively. The location of injury was the trachea in 2 patients and the bronchial tree in 4 patients. There was no postoperative mortality or anastomotic leak; however, vocal cord palsy occurred in one patient. The most distinguishing sign was persistent lung collapse even though the chest tube was connected with negative pressure. Conclusion: Although it was not easy to diagnose traumatic tracheobronchial injury without a clinical suspicion, the distinguishing clinical symptoms and CT findings could help to make an early diagnosis without performing bronchoscopy.

Combined Acute Traumatic Aortic Injury and Left Main Bronchus Transection in a 5-Year-Old Child

Blunt traumatic aortic and tracheobronchial injuries are extremely rare in children. We report a case of a 5 year old male who suffered both of these rare injuries (traumatic aortic rupture and left mainstem bronchus transaction). To our knowledge this combination of injuries has not been previously described in a child. CT with multiplanar images was critical for the detection of both injuries.

Medical and Surgical Management of Noniatrogenic Traumatic Tracheobronchial Injuries

To describe the medical and surgical management of noniatrogenic traumatic tracheobronchial injuries. From January 1993 to July 2004, 15 cases of traumatic tracheobronchial injury were treated in our department. The diagnosis was established by bronchoscopy and a computed tomography chest scan was performed on all patients. Surgical treatment was selected for patients with unstable vital signs, an open tracheal wound, associated esophageal lesions, progression of subcutaneous or mediastinal emphysema, mediastinitis or suspicious mediastinal secretions on imaging tests, or difficulties with mechanical ventilation due to the traumatic tracheobronchial injury. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 35.5 (18.9) years and 12 (80%) were male. Of the 15 cases, 13 (86.7%) had penetrating trauma and 2 (13.3%) blunt trauma. The most common location of the injury was in the bronchi (9 cases; 60%), followed by the cervical trachea (4 cases; 26.6%), followed by both the thoracic trachea and bronchi (2 cases; 13.4%). The most common initial symptom was subcutaneous emphysema, which presented in 11 (73.3%) patients. Chest (12 cases; 86.7%) and orthopedic injuries (9 cases; 60%) were the most common associated injuries. Surgery was the treatment of choice in 11 (73.3%) cases and conservative medical treatment in 4 (26.7%). An irreversible brain injury caused the death of 1 patient receiving conservative treatment. Tracheobronchial injuries may be treated conservatively if they meet strict selection criteria. Size and location should not be used as selection criteria for surgical treatment.

外傷性気管・気管支損傷の検討 診断，治療における問題点

外傷性気管・気管支損傷の検討 診断，治療における問題点