Summary

Tracheobronchial injuries (TBI) are rare but potentially fatal complications of blunt thoracic trauma. Recent literature supports conservative management in selected stable cases. In this study, we describe the case of a pediatric patient with a tracheal tear that was managed successfully without surgical intervention.

In hemodynamically stable pediatric patients, even high-grade tracheal injuries may be managed conservatively with close intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring. Early multidisciplinary evaluation is essential.

TBI following blunt trauma is an uncommon but life-threatening condition, particularly in children. Blunt trauma accounts for approximately 94% of TBIs in pediatric cases, in contrast to penetrating trauma which predominates in adults [1]. Management options are typically guided by injury classification, such as the (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma [AAST] Grade III, Cardillo Level IIIA). Non-operative treatment may be appropriate in specific stable cases even in high-grade injuries, as illustrated in former literature [2,3].