Surgery for bronchiectasis in children living with HIV: A case series from a low- to middle-income country

<b>What the study adds.</b> Bronchiectasis (BE) in children living with HIV (CLWH) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Current treatment focuses on preventing infections and managing symptoms, while surgical management is rarely considered. A retrospective medical records review of 12 children aged ≤14 years in South Africa found that surgical resection for BE can be performed with a low complication rate, resulting in significant improvement of symptoms postoperatively. Variables influencing outcome include immune status, antiretroviral treatment and previous treatment for tuberculosis.<b>Implications of the findings.</b> This study demonstrates that surgery for BE can be performed safely in CLWH, with significant improvement of respiratory symptoms postoperatively.