Renal Tuberculosis

Diagnosis and Management

¹ Seattle, Washington

1. When a renal tuberculosis has been established, find all the extrarenal tuberculous processes. We deal not with a local disease but a generalized one.

2. If a pyuria exists, without demonstrable bacteria, search for bacillus tuberculosis until you find it. Good staining and a patient microscopist are successful in 90 per cent of the cases.

3. Remember that 40 to 50 per cent of renal tuberculosis is bilateral.

4. Surgery alone is seldom curative. Months of postoperative rest, good food and sunlight are necessary in most cases.

5. In unilateral renal tuberculosis early surgery is indicated and gives the best results.

6. A careful surgical technic to avoid contamination with tuberculous pus will greatly shorten postsurgical healing.

7. The decubitus position for months after the operation is invaluable.