Surgical management of bronchiectasis

Exacerbations of bronchiectasis can result in a decline in lung function, a poorer prognosis and a reduction in quality of life. Three female patients aged 57, 41 and 40 presented with recurrent exacerbations of bronchiectasis despite optimal conservative and antibiotic (maintenance) treatment. In one patient the underlying cause of the bronchiectasis could not be identified? in the other two patients there was a post infectious cause. Surgical procedures were performed on account of the presence of localised bronchiectasis. No major complications were observed. All three patients experienced an impressive reduction in symptoms and exacerbations. Moreover, there was only a slight decline in lung function in two patients and an improvement in lung function in one patient. In patients with localised bronchiectasis, recurrent exacerbations and persistent symptoms despite optimal conservative and antibiotic treatment, surgical resection of affected areas could reduce the number of exacerbations and improve quality of life.