Left-lung-collapse bronchial deformation in giant omphalocele

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