[Lung resection in the principle disease of mucoviscidosis and status following poliomyelitis--2 case reports].

Two cases of destroyed lung after repeated pneumonia are reported; one in a patient suffering from cystic fibrosis in the age of 8 years, the other in a 15 year old girl with a phrenic nerve paralysis. In both children physiotherapy as well as retreatments with appropriate antibiotics did not achieve any long-term curative effect. Therefore a pneumonectomy was indicated. In the patient with cystic fibrosis a small air leak was observed on the first postoperative day at the bronchial suture line, which was treated with an immediate rethoracotomy and correction. In the other child a pericardial effusion 4 weeks after surgery occurred. Regression was seen within two weeks under antibiotic therapy. In diseases such as cystic fibrosis and paralysis of the diaphragm a resection of the lung is justified in cases even if they are complicated by recurrent infections due to atelectasis or bronchiectasia. The preoperative investigation includes the proof of a total lung failure by scintiscan and/or measurement of a mucociliary clearance. A non altered function of the remaining lung is a prerequisite.