Bronchoscopy may be utilized to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment consists of thoracostomy with chest tube insertion to relieve any pneumothorax, and intubation and ventilation for respiratory support. Intubation with a double lumen endotracheal tube has also been shown to be successful for treatment of tracheobronchial fracture to allow for improved ventilation. Caution should be used when intubating individuals suspected of having a partial or complete tracheal transection. Fiberoptic intubation or tracheostomy tube insertion may be necessary, since blind intubation may be difficult.
Surgical repair is necessary for definitive treatment.