Abstract
Main airway trauma consists in the injury of one or more segments of the anatomical region that comprises the larynx, trachea, and primary bronchi. Symptoms such as dyspnea, hoarseness, air leak by the penetrating wound, cervical or facial subcutaneous emphysema, and hemopneumothorax can be present in the main airway trauma. Several times, the diagnosis can be suspected by chest X-ray due to the presence of pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax. Bronchoscopy is the best method not only to localize the lesion but also to define its extension. Early diagnosis with immediate stabilization of the airway is the fundamental principle in the initial management of a main airway trauma, which can be done by endotracheal intubation or by performing a surgical airway. Different techniques allow a satisfactory exposition of specific segments of the airway, and also an adequate reconstruction when required.
Keywords
Bronchoscopy Larynx Trachea X-rayBibliography
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