Extrapleural Pneumolysis for Cavitary Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment

Abstract

Objective. To increase efficiency of cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis treatment by developing modern indications and technology of extrapleural pneumolysis with filling material.Material and methods. We reviewed 25 patients with cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis and bacterial excretion who had undergone extrapleural pneumolysis with different types of filling material in 2004–2015. In 16 cases, we performed surgery in patients with one lung.Results. 56% of operated patients demonstrated extensively drug-resistant TB, 40% had multidrug-resistant TB. Cavities were closed and bacterial excretion ceased in 92% of patients at discharge. Long-term results with observation period from 1 to 12 years were analyzed in 24 patients, 17 (71%) of them had complete clinical efficacy.Conclusion. Extrapleural pneumolysis is a mini-invasive surgical treatment that can prove positive effect in patients with non-fibrotic changes in a cavity wall and pathological process in upper parts of the lungs.