Surgical treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung:a report of 34 cases

Objective: To summarize the experience in surgical treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung and the prevention of complications.Methods: The clinical data of 34 cases of tuberculous destroyed lung treated by pneumonectomy from 1990 to 2006 were retrospectively analyzed.Results: No death occurred.Postoperative complications were observed in 5 cases,respiratory failure in 2 cases,bronchopleural fistula in 1 case and pyothorax in 2 cases.All the complications were managed accordingly.Conclusions: Pneumonectomy is effective in treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung.Strict mastery of the operative indication,proper circulation monitoring at operation and meticulous operative procedure are essential for prevention of intrathoracic infections.