Neonatal lung abscess: resection using one-lung anesthesia.

Three neonates with lung abscess unresponsive to antibiotic therapy underwent successful resection of infected lobes with the aid of one-lung anesthesia. This was accomplished by selective endobronchial intubation of the opposite lung and obstruction of the ipsilateral main bronchus with a Fogarty balloon-tipped catheter. This valuable technique provides protection against tracheobronchial spillage of purulent material and results in the rapid recovery of these seriously ill neonates.