Tracheal bronchus is a congenital anomaly usually originating from the right lateral wall of the trachea. It is usually found within 2 cm above the carina. Most cases of tracheal bronchus are asymptomatic and detected only incidentally on bronchoscopy or radiologic examination. Anatomic abnormalities of the airway are particular concern to anesthesiologists. We report a case in which an undiagnosed tracheal bronchus interfered with isolation of the right lung with a single lumen tube with bronchial blocker (Univent tube). Bronchoscopic examination showed the presence of an opening approximately 0.5 cm proximal to the carina. We withdrew the Univent tube and replaced it with a left-sided, 37 F double-lumen endotracheal tube. Right lung isolation was done satisfactorily and allowed the completion of the procedure.
Bronchi* ; Bronchoscopy ; Humans ; Lung* ; Trachea