Bronchial Rupture in a Child, with Subsequent Stenosis, Resection, and Anastomosis

A 2 1/2-year-old child was seen six days after she sustained a rupture of her right main bronchus. Because the diagnosis was not established until the sixth day after injury, repair was deferred for three weeks until the edema and acute inflammation had subsided. By repeated bronchoscopic and endotracheal suction, it was possible to maintain ventilation of the affected lung. Segmental bronchial resection was followed by uneventful recovery. In selected patients, deliberate delay in repairing bronchial rupture appears desirable.