Thoracic surgery in the AIDS patient

AIDS is a syndrome caused by HIV. The virus is spread by homosexual or heterosexual transmission and by infected blood or certain body fluids. Respiratory infections are the commonest cause of death, and diagnosis may be difficult. The fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) plays an essential role in diagnosing respiratory infections in AIDS and is important in minimizing the need for open lung biopsies. Various problems require thoracic surgical consultation and treatment. We do not consider it ethical to deny these patients help. There can be no "double standard" in the care of patients in the hospital or in the operating room since any of our patients may have HIV without our knowledge.