[Traumatic bronchial rupture].

Two cases of complete broncho-ruptures are reported. The diagnosis was established after admission to the clinic, the immediate dressing and reanastomosis of the ruptured bronchi had no essential effects on the function of the lungs. All parameters were in the region of the lower standard. The bronchus or tracheal rupture concerns mainly young patients with an elastic thorax. As regards older patients with a rigid thorax, this group is to a large extent prone to a series of fractured ribs and grave injuries of the organs. A series of fractured ribs in juvenile patients can be completely non-existent. It should be noted that the indication for a bronchoscopy is meeting with too great a reserve. Three quarters of all broncho-ruptures thus are not diagnosed. Even if after a number of years a successful reanastomosis is still possible, the functional detriments of delayed anastomoses are not always reversible. In the hands of a skilled surgeon the emergency bronchoscopy with rigid and flexible instruments is also possible in the case of very severely injured patients.