Rupture of the airways after blunt chest trauma in two children

• Published in: European journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 10; no. 2; p. 133
• Main Authors: Becmeur, F, Donato, L, Horta-Geraud, P, Fraysse, P, Schwaab, C, Carrenard, C, Sliman, M A, Sauvage, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-04-2000
• Subjects: Bronchi - injuries; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Thoracic Injuries - complications; Thoracic Injuries - diagnosis; Trachea - injuries; Wounds, Nonpenetrating - complications; Wounds, Nonpenetrating - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0939-7248
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1072342

Rupture of the airways after blunt chest trauma is exceptional in children. Two recent cases are reported, in a 3-year-old boy and in a 12-year-old girl. Both had longitudinal tears, of the trachea for Patient 1, and of the main left bronchus for Patient 2 with many associated lesions for this patient. Diagnosis of rupture of the airways must always be referred to the mechanisms of the accident. Bronchoscopy is mandatory, in order to define the lesions, and to guide the treatment. Immediate surgery is not always necessary if the chest roentgenogram demonstrates a good reexpansion, with a well tolerated and decreasing air leakage. Even in case of a delayed surgery, it is possible to perform a local reconstruction.