[Congenital lobar emphysema: report of 38 cases]

We present our experience of 38 patients suffering from congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) treated in the Department of Pediatric Surgery in our hospital between 1966-1991. 22 of these patients had to undergo surgical correction due to the severity of their respiratory symptoms. The other 16 presented mild respiratory symptoms: 8 of them received conservative treatment and the remainin 8 had to be operated on due to broncial compression caused by the vascular malformation. In most cases the main symptoms were dyspnea and cyanosis, which indicate the severity of the process. 20 cases presented during the patient's first month of life, 10 within the first 6 months and the remaining 8 between the first 6 months and 5 years. The different aetiologics forms in our study are analysed and compared with those described in the literature. The main diagnostic tested and revied, specially radiology tested led to a correct differential diagnosis and subsequently to an adequate therapeutic treatment. It is possible to carry out other tests since they do not actually help diagnosis, we have considered them unnecessary. All the surgical operations used are analysed as well as the complications observed. The clinical course of the patients has proved to be particularly good, since there was no mortality and the morbility rate was low.