Severe pulmonary interstitial emphysema of the right lung treated by selective intubation of the left main bronchus.

As an alternative to surgical treatment, we have selectively intubated the left main bronchus in children with severe pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) of the right lung. Within 12-24 h the unilateral hyperinflation disappeared. We propose that when conservative treatment of unilateral PIE fails, contralateral SBI should be tried before surgical intervention, leading to loss of functioning tissue, is undertaken.