Left-lung-collapse bronchial deformation in giant omphalocele

Five infants with giant omphalocele had persistent collapse of the left lung and required prolonged respiratory support, Narrowing of the left main bronchus, reversible with positive end-expiratory pressure, was identified radiographically in 3 infants, and we postulate that this relates to distortion of the bronchus within the constraints of the elongated, narrow thoracic cavity characteristic of these patients. The lung collapse may be precipitated by manipulation (reduction or attempted reduction) of the omphalocele. J Pediatr Surg 36:846-850. Copyright (C) 2001 by W,B. Saunders Company.