Role of thoracic surgery in pulmonary tuberculosis

Surgery in pulmonary tuberculosis in one form or other gives good results. Indications for surgery include drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis, massive recurrent haemoptysis, post-tuberculosis bronchiectasis or destroyed lung, empyema with or without bronchopleural fistula and for diagnostic purposes. In all cases a clear indication for surgery is mandatory. Processes of surgery include lung resection, thoracoplasty, decortication, thoracotomy and biopsy, thoracoscopy and ib resection for pleurocutaneous flap procedures. Adequate postoperative management is very important. Complications like atelectasis and pneumonia, empyema, bronchopleural fistula, wound infection, cachexia, etc, add morbidity and prolonged hospital stay.