Most patients with pulmonary atelectasis have complete resolution with medical therapy. In patients with persistent atelectasis, endoscopic treatment has proven to be an effective therapy.

Objective: To describe our experience using flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in children with persistent atelectasis. This is a case series report of children treated with flexible bronchoscopy between January 2005 and December 2013, at the Pediatric Pulmonology Section of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires.

Results: From a total of 106 bronchoscopies performed, 32 of the patients had a diagnosis of persistent atelectasis. Mean age, 5 years. Laryngeal mask airway was the most common route for flexible bronchoscopy. In 28/32 patients, the procedure was therapeutically useful (complete or partial re-expansion). The procedure was well tolerated and presented only mild complications.

Conclusions: Flexible bronchoscopy proved to be a safe and effective tool for the treatment of children with persistent atelectasis.