Rupture of contralateral mainstem bronchus during uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery lobectomy and 3 successful cases of repair

BACKGROUND: Our goal was to discuss the treatment for rupture of contralateral mainstem bronchus during uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (uniportal VATS) lobectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We analyzed clinical data of 3 cases of rupture of contralateral mainstem bronchus during uniportal VATS. Surgical repair was performed immediately under an uniportal VATS during operation, as a result, 3 cases of bronchial rupture all were repaired successfully, and we continued to complete lobectomy and systemic lymph node dissection. Reexamination was performed after 1 week, and no fistula was found in trachea and bronchi through a fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The time range for indwelling the chest tube is 6–9 days, and the hospital stay is 8–10 days. No abnormality was observed on chest radiography when the 3 patients returned to the hospital 1 month after the operation for the second reexamination. CONCLUSIONS: Instant surgical repair is recommended to the treatment of bronchial rupture in thoracic surgery. It is safe and feasible to repair bronchial tear with uniportal VATS.