Resolution of severe bronchiectasis after removal of long-standing retained foreign body

Saccular bronchiectasis secondary to the presence of a long retained foreign body is considered irreversible and an indication for resection of the diseased segment or lobe. We describe a 3 1/2 year-old girl with a retained organic foreign body for 18 months, and who was treated conservatively after laser resection and extraction of the inflammatory mass from the bronchus intermedius followed by complete resolution of the bronchiectasis. We suggest that even severe bronchiectasis following prolonged retention of a foreign body may be reversible after removal of the obstruction and reestablishment of airway patency.