Surgical treatment of congenital lobar emphysema of the lung

Congenital lobar emphysema of the lung is a relatively rare condition encountered mainly in early infancy. Five children with this disorder were treated during the past 12 years. They ranged in age from 2 wks to 3 1/2 yr. The clinical picture was typical in all 5 patients with the presenting symptoms starting soon after birth. In all cases the final diagnosis was based upon chest X-rays. Surgery was performed in all, four undergoing left upper lobectomy and the fifth right upper lobectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful and on follow-up at 1-12 years, all five were in good health and free of symptoms. Excision of the lung lesion when there is dyspnea at rest, or if it increases with time, is the current treatment of choice. Long term follow up confirms the advantages of this approach.