Results of thoracic surgery in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

The results obtained by surgical treatment in 200 cases are reported.

Many suffered from extensive lesions of considerable standing and previous sanatorium treatment had failed to control their disease.

Sixty-seven per cent. of the cases are regarded as “cured” and all but 3·2 per cent. have derived considerable benefit from treatment.

There were four post-operative deaths—a mortality rate of 2 per cent.—while four other deaths were reported more than two years after operation. In only one of these was death attributable to a tuberculous infection.

In 95·9 per cent. of the patients the sputum was negative for tubercle bacilli at review. Before treatment was commenced 84 per cent. had produced a positive sputum.

Eighty per cent. of the patients have resumed work and in only 13·1 per cent. were their wages less than before their illness.