[Long-term follow-up of the quality of life in children after surgery for vascular compression of the respiratory tract].

The aim of this study is the analysis of long-term results of surgery for vascular airway compression. Out of those operated within last 14 years at our institution, thirty two have a longer than five years follow up, being now 9.1 +/- 3.0 years following surgery. All are in excellent clinical condition. One quarter of patients show occasional stridor and one third frequent respiratory infections. Eighty percent have some lung function abnormality, 72% features of central airways obstruction. Pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy demonstrated in 19% asymmetric pulmonary blood flow. Magnetic resonance imaging showed relationship between vessels and airways. Although long-term outcome of surgery for vascular airway compression is excellent, high percentage of pathologic lung functions is of concern and substantiates the need for close long-term follow-up.