Temporary Collapse in the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

¹ The Pulmonary Disease Service, Fitzsimons Army Hospital.

1. The use of temporary collapse procedures—artificial pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum and phrenic nerve operations was reviewed.

2. Artificial pneumothorax and phrenic nerve paralysis are considered obsolete procedures.

3. Reversible collapse procedures—pneumotherapy and phrenic nerve paralysis, are no longer considered as primary and/or definitive procedures.

4. If, after the adequate use of anti-tuberculosis drugs, cavitary lesions are caseo-nodose residuals which are potentially dangerous to relapse remain, surgical excision is the procedure of choice.

5. Pneumoperitoneum may be used only as a last resort in far advanced cases when, after adequate and prolonged chemotherapy, surgical excision of cavities and/or serious residuals cannot be performed because of serious impairment of pulmonary function. In those rare patients in whom chemotherapy cannot be used because of severe toxicity, pneumoperitoneum may be considered.