Congenital malformation of lung parenchyma: 15 years experience in a thoracic surgical unit.

OBJECTIVE

To review the surgical management of congenital malformations of lung parenchyma in a thoracic surgery unit over a period of 15 years.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of records of all patients who had surgery for congenital malformations of lung parenchyma between 1995 and 2010.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients underwent surgery for congenital lung lesions out of 3735 thoracotomies performed during the study period. The lesions included 29 lung sequestrations, 12 bronchogenic cysts, 3 congenital lobar emphysema and one congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation. Only 26 (26%) cases were diagnosed preoperatively. Twenty-eight (62.2%) patients underwent lobectomy, 5 (11.1%) patients had pneumonectomy, and 10 (22.2%) patients had removal of cyst while 2 (0.45%) patients had lung resection with repair of the oesophageal connection. No mortality was recorded. One patient had post-operative complication of oesophageal fistula which was successfully managed conservatively. The follow-up was between 8 months to 14 years. All patients were asymptomatic and had no physical limitations during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is curative and produces good long-term result in patients with congenital malformations of lung parenchyma. It should be offered to patients as a therapeutic option where indicated and feasible.