Resurgence of therapeutically destitute tuberculosis: amalgamation of old and newer techniques

Most of thoracic surgery developed as a result of efforts to treat tuberculosis (TB). The role of surgical therapy has declined but the role of surgery in TB still remains in situations like diagnostic difficulties, persistent sputum positive state despite therapy and complications and sequel like haemoptysis, destroyed or bronchiectatic lungs or empyema with or without broncho-pleural fistula (BPF). Various procedures have a role according to the indication. Some of the procedures have become obsolete but lobectomy, pneumonectomy, thoracoplasty, decortication and open window thoracostomy continue to be relevant. Recent published series have demonstrated mortality ranging from 0% to 3.1%. Surgery for complications and sequel of pulmonary TB still remain an important intervention for alleviation of human misery.