Less is more: lung-sparing direct repair of a traumatic rupture of the bronchus intermedius

Major trauma is one of the most common causes of death in the western world in the young population (15–25 years). Thoracic trauma represents 25% of traumatic deaths, and the incidence of tracheobronchial injuries in literature is lower than 5%. Nevertheless, airway injuries are life-threatening conditions. Here we present a case of a 25-year-old patient who underwent a severe motorcycle crash. The injury severity score (ISS) was 35 at admission to the hospital. A right middle bronchus laceration <2 cm involving the whole thickness of the wall of the bronchus intermedius was identified. An urgent right posterolateral thoracotomy was performed, and the lesion was directly repaired. A conservative intervention was the key to grant our patient a healthy life.