Congenital Lobar Emphysema

Abstract

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) characterized by over distension and air-trapping in the affected lobe is one of the causes of infantile respiratory distress requiring surgical resection of affected lobe. At induction, positive pressureventilation can expand the emphysematous lobe compressing the normal lung resulting in severe cardiovascular compromise. We report a case of 28 day old baby with CLE posted for emergency lobeetomy. Strategies to prevent hyperinflation and anaesthetic considerations of various techniques adopted for lung separation in infants have been reviewed.

Keywords

• Congenitallobar emphysema
• Neonatal anaesthesia
• Hyperinflation of emphysematous lung
• Positive pressure ventilation