Management of anaesthesia in an infant with an anomalous lung arising from the oesophagus.

The anaesthetic management of a 19-month-old male infant undergoing pneumonectomy for a rare congenital anomaly is discussed. The trachea communicated solely with the left lung and there was an abnormal communication between the oesophagus and the right main-stem bronchus. Gross infection of the right lung was present. Our experience suggests that the following points are of importance: (1) There is a substantial risk in intubating deeply into the trachea because of the possible existence of a bronchial pouch at the bifurcation. (2) Since the stomach may be full of pus, aspiration of pus before induction of anaesthesia and before extubation is essential. (3) Pneumonectomy with the patient in the supine position is advised.