Spent Bullet in the Bronchus

Abstract

Penetrating tracheal trauma, although infrequent, varies from minor to life-threatening injuries. Serious injury often results from airway compromise or significant associated esophageal or vascular trauma. Tracheal injuries resulting in a retained ballistic fragment in the airway have been infrequently reported. We report the successful treatment of a patient with a gunshot wound to the anterior cervical trachea resulting in a spent bullet lodged in the left lower lobe bronchus.