Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
Published on: March 24, 2014
Anesthesia for lung lavage in pediatric patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Breno Monteiro Gonçalves1, Vera Coelho Teixeira, Paulo Fernando Souto Bittencourt
1Hospital Felicio Rocho, Brazil. breno83@hotmail.com
Insights
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) treatment involves whole-lung lavage (WLL). This case report details a pediatric WLL procedure using sequential lobar fiberoptic bronchoscopy, highlighting its application in a young patient.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disease.
- Whole-lung lavage (WLL) has been the primary treatment for PAP since the 1960s.
- Pediatric WLL techniques present challenges and risks.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old female patient diagnosed with PAP was treated.
- The procedure involved sequential lobar fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
- General anesthesia and spontaneous ventilation were maintained during the procedure.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates the feasibility of WLL in a pediatric patient.
- Sequential lobar approach via fiberoptic bronchoscopy was utilized.
- Spontaneous ventilation was maintained throughout the procedure.
Implications:
- This case contributes to understanding pediatric WLL techniques.
- It may inform refinement of WLL procedures for children with PAP.
- Further research can optimize safety and efficacy of WLL in pediatric populations.
Background And Objectives:
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disorder first described in 1958. The Whole-Lung Lavage (WLL) proposed in the 1960s, remains the treatment of choice. Several techniques have been described to perform lung lavage in pediatric patients; however, all have limitation and risks.
Case Report:
Female patient, aged 6 years and 8 months, 25 kg, diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, who underwent whole-lung lavage by sequential lobar fiberoptic bronchoscopy under general anesthesia and spontaneous ventilation.
