[Pulmonary and mediastinal bronchogenic cysts]

Bronchogenic cysts are relatively rare anomalies with a congenital origin resulting in an abnormal branching of the tracheo-bronchial tree. They either develop in the pulmonary parenchyma or in the mediastinal region. Between 1975 and 1987, 21 cases of bronchogenic cysts were operated upon. Eighteen of these cysts had a pulmonary localisation and 3 were mediastinal. Only 8 of these were diagnosed pre-operatively by bronchoscopy. The major reason for delay in diagnosis is persistent or recurrent pulmonary infection. Eight cases were treated by cystectomy, 4 by simple wedge resection, 4 by segmental resection, 3 were extirpated and 2 by lobectomy.