Current indications for the surgical treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis

A marked worldwide increase in the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis has occurred over the past 15 years. The reasons for this change include the worldwide epidemic of AIDS, poverty and the unprecedented extent of migration. We selected 47 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis or its sequelae for 51 surgical operations, with a high prevalence of subjects under 50 years of age (48.9%). There were three major non-fatal complications, and three minor complications. One patient died on postoperative day 1 as a result of unrelated causes. At present, surgery for tuberculosis of the lungs is mainly indicated when all medical treatments have proved ineffective or in circumstances where complete control of complications or disease sequelae is necessary, provided there is a correct indication and a flawless execution.