[Surgical indications in treatment of chronic bronchial suppurations]

The Authors report their experience (22 operations) concerning chronic bronchial suppurations of surgical interest. During the period considered (1964 - April 1982), among many pathological processes capable of conditioning a chronic bronchial suppuration, it has been observed a progressive decrease of "primitive" bronchiectasis and a percentage increase of "secondary" ones. Surgical treatment, unquestionably required in cases of cystic malformation or secondary obstruction, is now restricted to "primitive" cases with well-limited bronchiectasis or with complications (hemoptysis). Surgical therapy performed in these cases appears to grant good results both immediately (O% surgical mortality) and in the future.