[Surgical treatment of chest wall tuberculosis]

Of 5000 patients with skeleton tuberculosis, 85 also had chest tuberculosis (= 1.7%). Chest tuberculosis in most cases begins with local pleural tuberculosis originating from a former moist pleurisy. The 5th rib is preferably involved, occasionally several ribs simultaneously. The gradual development of the abscess of the thoracic wall is mostly not recognized. Abscess incision only does not lead to recovery. Fistulas will be the result. Partial resection of the involved rib together with local decortication of the pleura is according to our experience the optimal therapy to obtain good results.