[Lung separations in children]

Problems in diagnosis and treatment of separation of the lung are shown on the basis of 12 cases. Primarily the atypical supply of the separation by an artery out of the general circulation may cause difficulties. A damaging of this artery may cause lethal bleeding especially when the aberrating vessel ascends from the abdominal region through the diaphragm into the thorax. Diagnosis always gives the indication to operation although sometimes only thoracotomy gives a definite diagnosis. Selective arteriography of the abnormal artery may be useful help. Separation of the lung should be taken into consideration if there is a suspect X-ray plan of the thorax. The surgeon then may expect technical difficulties and can avoid complications. The prognosis is excellent.