Surgery at present has much to offer a few selected patients with pulmonary insufficiency, but, hopefully, has the potential of much greater benefits in the near future.
Bronchial, lung, and mediastinal biopsies have their place in making a definitive diagnosis in diffuse pulmonary lesions. Representative examples of their use and an evaluation of each will be presented.
Resectional therapy is of value for large cysts or air trapping lobes that cause respiratory insufficiency because of their enlarging bulk. This is of benefit, however, only if compression rather than the often associated, generalized bronchial obstruction is the significant factor. Sympathetic nerve