Outcome Analysis Of Primary Chest Wall Tuberculosis: A Series Of 32 Cases

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Oncology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Chest wall tuberculosis is a rare but persistent global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
• Diagnostic difficulties arise from low yields in smear and culture of aspirates.
• This study reviews 32 cases to define characteristics and optimal management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the clinical characteristics of chest wall tuberculosis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical management combined with antituberculosis chemotherapy.
• To propose an optimal treatment strategy for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective descriptive case series.
• Review of medical records for 32 patients treated between May 2006 and May 2016.
• Analysis of surgical interventions and outcomes.

Main Results:

• A history of tuberculosis was present in 59.4% of patients.
• Common symptoms included chest pain, mass, and pus discharge.
• Preoperative bacteriologic diagnosis was positive in only 3 patients.
• Surgical procedures included debridement, rib/sternum resection, and clavicle excision.
• Postoperative wound infection occurred in 3.13% of cases, with no recurrences.

Conclusions:

• Effective management necessitates extensive debridement of affected tissue, including bone.
• Obliteration of dead space using vascularized muscle flaps and negative suction drainage is crucial.
• Combined surgical and chemotherapeutic approaches yield favorable outcomes with manageable morbidity and mortality.