[Surgical correction of bronchial stenosis: increased somatic development following elimination of the stenosis].

A 5 year old girl suffered from nearly total stenosis of the bronchus intermedius and exspiratory collaps of both main bronchi. Because of preterm birth she was postnatally intubated and mechanically ventilated for 6 weeks. Her somatic development was significantly retarded in comparison with the monozygotic twin, and pulmonary impairment increased again in the last preoperative year. By the combination of latest surgical technics (pericardial patch, interposition of a costal segment, fibrine glue) the bronchial abnormalities could be corrected successfully. In the first year after surgery catch-up growth was observed in the girl.