[Left pneumonectomy in a child with congenital bronchiectasis].

A case of diffuse bronchiectasis concerning an entire lung in an eight-year-old boy is described. The disease in this case was widespread in the entire left lung and was considered as consequent to a defect in the development of the left bronchial wall. Because of the frequent respiratory infections, occurring since birth, and given the good anatomical and functional conditions of the right lung, we recommended the surgical excision of the sick lung. After one year, the operation showed good results with regard to respiratory functions. The functioning of the remaining pulmonary parenchyma is quite satisfactory and allows the boy an excellent quality of life.