| Περίληψη: | Airway injuries are life threatening conditions. A very little number of patients suffering air injuries are transferred
live at the hospital. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion based on the presence of non-specific for these
injuries symptoms and signs and a thorough knowledge of the mechanisms of injury. Bronchoscopy and chest
computed tomography with MPR and 3D reconstruction of the airway represent the procedures of choice for the
definitive diagnosis. Endotracheal intubation under bronchoscopic guidance is the key point to gain airway control
and appropriate ventilation. Primary repair with direct suture or resection and an end to end anastomosis is the
treatment of choice for patients suffering from tracheobronchial injuries (TBI). The surgical approach to the injured
airway depends on its location. Selected patients, mainly with iatrogenic injuries, can be treated conservatively as
long as the injury is small (<2 cm), a secure and patent airway and adequate ventilation are achieved, and there are
no signs of sepsis. Patients with delayed presentation airway injuries should be referred for surgical treatment.
Intraoperative evaluation of the viability of the lung parenchyma beyond the site of stenosis/obstruction is
mandatory to avoid unnecessary lung resection.
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