Between 1977 and 1990, 11 children with carinal bronchogenic cysts were operated in our institution: 8 girls and 3 boys, ranging in age from 1 month to 5 years. All were symptomatic (acute respiratory distress and recurrent bronchiolitis). Chest X-ray showed an unilateral over distension in 10/11 cases. Barium oesophagogram showed a compression in 6/10 cases. Bronchoscopy noticed an extrinsic compression in 10/11 cases and a tracheal and/or bronchial diskinesia in 5/11 cases. The computed tomography showed a low density mass in 4/4 cases. 9 cysts were left-sided and 2 right-sided. Both children underwent a second surgery for a second cyst. 2 pneumonectomies for complete parenchyma destruction were realised. 1 left pulmonary hypoplasia was noticed. A tracheal and/or bronchial diskinesia in post-operative was noticed in 5/6 cases. The clinical and functional respiratory following was good in 10/11 cases. An early surgery treatment is necessary before definitive sequelae.