Segmental lung resection in the first year of life.

Segmental lung resection was performed in 5 infants with congenital lung disease. The lesions were cystic adenomatoid malformation in 2, congenital cystic disease in 2, and congenital lobar emphysema in 1. A higher than expected incidence of major segmental bronchovascular anomalies was encountered (3 of 5 patients). Other than prolonged air leak in 1 patient, complications were negligible. All patients were well from one to six and one-half years after operation. Segmentectomy is a sensible operation for congenital pulmonary disease and ultimately may have as its greatest virtue the preservation of normal lung tissue.