Surgical intervention for emphysematous pulmonary regions in a postoperative infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

A postoperative infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) developed extrinsic obstruction of the trachea by the innominate artery that ensued from unequal expansion of the lungs followed by left mediastinal shift. Septation of the anterior mediastinum prevented unequal expansion of the lungs, and elongation of the innominate artery improved proximal airway obstruction. Prolonged artificial ventilation, however, resulted in the emphysematous bullae in the left lung. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), at 3 years of age, ameliorated the respiratory distress and resulted in good weight gain. Surgical intervention, including LVRS, should be considered to improve respiratory disturbance caused by difference in compliance of the lungs in children.