Lung resection for the treatment of severe localised bronchiectasis in cystic fibrosis patients.
BACKGROUND
A small proportion of cystic fibrosis patients develop severe localised bronchiectasis. When this persists despite maximal medical therapy it presents a difficult management problem. Lung transplantation cannot be justified. We report encouraging results in six patients with severe localised bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis who underwent pulmonary resection.


METHODS
Each child had severe localised bronchiectasis despite maximal medical therapy. Intensive preoperative toilet was instituted and pulmonary resection undertaken when lung function was optimal.


RESULTS
There was a marked improvement in symptoms in every case. No significant long-standing morbidity was associated with the resection. There was no significant decrease in pulmonary function following resection.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary resection should be considered in the management of severe localised bronchiectasis unresponsive to maximal medical therapy in cystic fibrosis patients.
Dalrymple-Hay
M J
MJ
Wessex Cardiothoracic Centre, Southampton General Hospital, U.K.
Lucas
J
J
Connett
G
G
Lea
R E
RE
D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011013:Pneumonectomy