Iatrogenic tracheobronchial ruptures most frequently occur during tracheal intubation, but they can also be produced during tracheobronchial endoscopy or thoracic surgery. The clinical presentation can be brutal, with respiratory failure, cervical emphysema, pneumothorax and hemoptysis. There are also less symptomatic presentations. The diagnosis is confirmed by bronchoscopy. The therapeutic approach can be differentiated, surgical or conservative, although the criteria are not universally accepted. This article aims to review the indications and therapeutic options.
Keywords: emergency intubation; iatrogenic tracheal rupture; non-operative treatment; surgical treatment.