The value of thoracoplasty before extensive unilateral resection for pulmonary tuberculosis

Among 24 patients who required extensive unilateral resection for tuberculosis, 17 underwent adequate thoracoplasty before resection and seven others received either no thoracoplasty before resection or an inadequate one. These two groups were comparable as to severity of disease and operative risk. The incidence of serious complications was 83 per cent in the latter group compared to 12 per cent in the former. While the number of patients in each group is too small for a statistically valid comparison, the results suggest that an adequate thoracoplasty before resection is of definite value in preventing pleural complications after extensive unilateral resection for tuberculosis.