Left Mainstem Bronchus Rupture Due to a Left-sided Double Lumen Tube

Double lumen tubes (DLT) are a cornerstone in thoracic anaesthesia to achieve onelung ventilation. Due to the shape and size of these devices, airway injuries might occur. The reported incidence of tracheobronchial ruptures caused by a DLT is very low (0.005% for single-lumen tubes and 0.05% for double-lumen intubations), but the outcome can be life-threatening (1, 2). In the past, treatment of tracheobronchial ruptures was performed surgically, nowadays conservative treatment can be considered (3, 4). Here, we report a case of tracheobronchial rupture during oesophageal surgery.