Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy middle lobe syndrome (MLS) surgery in patients with recurrent pulmonary infections.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 37 cases (19 females, 18 males; mean age 12.3 years; range 6 to 55 years) who underwent surgery due to MLS in Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Thoracic Surgery between January 1994 and January 2011. The underlying etiology, symptoms of the disease, bronchoscopic and radiological findings, and the outcome of surgery were evaluated.

Results: Coughing was the most common symptom. The mean duration of symptoms was 5.49 years (range, 6 months to 15 years). Indication for surgery was bronchiectasis in 33 cases, collapsed lungs in two case, and total atelectasis in two cases. No postoperative mortality was seen. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.14 days (range, 5 to 13 days). The mean follow-up was four years (range, 1 to 15 years). Infection, cough and mucus were absent after surgery.

Conclusion: In MLS, lobectomy is indicated for unresolving pulmonary infections and bronchial stenosis. Patients become asymptomatic following surgery.

Keywords : Bronchiectasis; middle lobe syndrome; pneumonia