Abstract:OBJECTIVE: To explore diagnosis methods and therapeutic features in children with traumatic main bronchial rupture in order to improve the cure rate. METHODS: Early diagnosis, timely exploratory thoracotomy and prognosis were carried out in 8 children with main bronchial rupture from trauma. RESULTS: The group age ranged from 7 to 14 years. Seven cases were victims of traffic accidents and one injury from falling. Six cases were given early diagnosis and timely thoracotomy to have end-to-end anastomosis of bronchi. They completely recovered and had no complications. Two cases were delayed in diagnosis. One received end-to-end anastomosis 3 months after trauma,one had infection in lung and anastomotic stoma stenosis after operation and recovered through several laser treatments. The other had to have right pneumonectomy because of infection and pulmonary atelectasis 6 months after trauma. The group had no death after being fellowed up for one to ten years. Seven cases after end-to-end anastomosis recovered normal pulmonary function. One case of pneumonectomy resulted in middle pulmonary function obstacle. CONCLUSIONS: Enough attention should be paid to early diagnosis and timely thoracotomy of end-to-end anastomosis of bronchi of children with traumatic main bronchial rupture so as to improve efficacy and reduce complications.
