title: Is congenital lobar emphysema a surgical disease?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The management of congenital lobar emphysema has traditionally been surgical. Because of increased use of imaging, this lesion is frequently found in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic children, prompting us to adopt a more conservative approach to these children.
  
  
  METHODS
  All children with congenital lobar emphysema presenting between 1995 and 2002 were included. Medical records, imaging files, and pathology reports were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty children (0-17 years) were identified. Eight were diagnosed antenatally. Fourteen were managed without surgery. Of the 11 symptomatic children, 6 showed spontaneous improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The favorable outcome of both asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic children suggests that a nonoperative approach should be considered in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8.
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mei-Zahav
authors.forename: Osnat
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Konen
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Manson
authors.forename: Jacob C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Langer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome