Abordaje transesternal transpericárdico para cierre de fístula del muñón bronquial post neumonectomía / Trans-sternal, trans-pericardial approach for closure of post-pneumonectomy bronchial stump de hiscence

La fistula del muñón bronquial es una seria complicación de la neumonectomía, por su complejidad tanto en los cambios anatomofisiológicos que el paciente experimenta, como en la diversidad de recursos para su resolución. El objetivo de este estudio es la presentación de este primer caso en la historia quirúrgica del país de abordaje transesternal, transpericárdico para el cierre de la fístula del muñón bronquial post neumonectomía en el Hospital San Vicente en Guatemala. Método: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino a quien se le realizó neumonectomía derecha por tuberculosis pulmonar y que presentó dehiscencia del muñón bronquial por lo que se procedió a realizar abordaje transesternal transpericárdico para el cierre del muñón bronquial a nivel de la Carina. Resultados: Se da seguimiento a la paciente por 8 años tras los cuales el problema se considera resuelto. Conclusión: la utilización del abordaje transesternal, transpericárdico para el cierre de la fístula del muñón bronquial postneumonectomía permite alcanzar el bronquio en un ambiente no contaminado debiendo considerarse como un procedimiento adecuado para resolver este tipo de complicación.

Background: Bronchial stump fstula is a serious complicaton of pneumonectomy. The aim of this case report is to document the frst surgical patenttreated with trans-sternal, trans-pericardial approach for bronchial stump fstula closing afer pneumonectomy at San Vicente Hospital in Guatemala.Methods: A female patent who underwent right pneumonectomy for pulmonary tuberculosis with postoperatve bronchial stump dehiscence.Trans-sternal trans-pericardial approach was performed for closing the bronchial stump fstula at the carina.Results: Afer 8 years of follow up, the problem in the patent had completely resolved.Conclusion: Trans-pericardial trans-sternal approach for bronchial stump fstula closing allows bronchium access in a non-contaminated space andshould be considered to resolve this kind of complicaton.

Spirometry evaluation in patient with tuberculosis sequelae treated by lobectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pre and post-operative spirometry in patients with tuberculosis sequelae undergoing lobectomy. METHODS: We selected 20 patients, aged between 15 and 56 years, of both genders, with a history of tuberculosis treatment, with repeated infections or hemoptysis and indication of pulmonary lobectomy. The tuberculosis treatment time was six months, and onset of symptoms, between one and 32. We evaluated and compared vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC, forced expiratory flow (FEF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) preoperatively and after the first, third and sixth postoperative months (POM). The significance level (á) used in all tests was 5%, ie, it was considered significant when p <0.05. RESULTS: The averages found were: Vital Capacity (VC) - Preoperative: 2.83; 1st POM: 2.12; 3rd POM: 2.31; 6th POM: 2.43. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) - Preoperative: 2.97; 1st POM: 2.21; 3rd POM: 2.35; 6th POM: 2.53. Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) - Preoperative: 2.23; 1st POM: 1.75; 3rd POM: 1.81; 6th POM 1.97. There was marked decrease in lung function in the first month after surgery, but there was an improvement of the parameters from the third month, with gradual increase up to the sixth month. CONCLUSION: There was no recovery of preoperative spirometric parameters at six months postoperatively in patients with sequelae of tuberculosis submitted to lobectomy.

[Fibrinogen-thrombin as bridge therapy in massive hemoptysis]. / Fibrinógeno-trombina como tratamiento puente en un caso de hemoptisis masiva.

This article presents the case of a young woman with massive hemoptysis (1,000 mL in 6 hours) due to tuberculosis, which could not be controlled by insertion of a Fogarty catheter through a fiber-optic bronchoscope. Because of asphyxia and persistent bleeding risk we instilled fibrinogen-thrombin through a fiber-optic bronchoscope inserted catheter, achieving bleeding cessation and permitting the placing of a double-lumen oro-tracheal tube. Later on, the patient underwent lobectomy and anti-tuberculosis treatment. The fibrinogen-thrombin could be considered as a bridge, transitory measure for massive hemoptysis, while definitive treatment could be established.

Avaliação espirométrica de doentes com sequela de tuberculose submetidos à lobectomia / Spirometry evaluation in patient with tuberculosis sequelae treated by lobectomy

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a espirometria no pré e pós-operatório de doentes com sequela de tuberculose, submetidos à lobectomia. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 20 doentes, com idade entre 15 e 56 anos, de ambos os sexos, com história pregressa de tratamento de tuberculose, apresentando infecção de repetição ou hemoptises. Foram submetidos à lobectomia pulmonar. O tempo de tratamento da tuberculose foi seis meses e o aparecimento dos sintomas entre um e 32 anos. Foram avaliadas a capacidade vital (CV), a capacidade vital forçada (CVF), o volume expiratório forçado (VEF1), o VEF1/CVF, o fluxo expiratório forçado (FEF) e o pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE) após o primeiro, terceiro e sexto meses em relação ao pré-operatório. O nível de significância (á) aplicado em todos os testes foi 5%, ou seja, considerou-se significativo quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: As Médias encontradas foram as seguintes: Capacidade Vital (CV) Pré-operatória-2,83 ; 1º PO 2,12; 3º PO 2,31; 6º PO 2,43. Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF) Pré-operatória- 2,97; 1º PO 2,21; 3º PO 2,35; 6º PO 2,53. Volume Expiratório no 1º Segundo (VEF1) Pré-operatório 2,23; 1º PO 1,75; 3º PO 1,81; 6º PO 1,97. Houve diminuição acentuada das funções respiratórias no primeiro mês de pós-operatório, porém houve melhora dos parâmetros a partir do terceiro mês, com progressivo aumento até o sexto mês de pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve recuperação dos parâmetros espirométricos, comparados aos do pré operatório, após seis meses de pós-operatório nos pacientes com sequela de tuberculose submetidos à lobectomia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pre and post-operative spirometry in patients with tuberculosis sequelae undergoing lobectomy. METHODS: We selected 20 patients, aged between 15 and 56 years, of both genders, with a history of tuberculosis treatment, with repeated infections or hemoptysis and indication of pulmonary lobectomy. The tuberculosis treatment time was six months, and onset of symptoms, between one and 32. We evaluated and compared vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC, forced expiratory flow (FEF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) preoperatively and after the first, third and sixth postoperative months (POM). The significance level (á) used in all tests was 5%, ie, it was considered significant when p <0.05. RESULTS: The averages found were: Vital Capacity (VC) - Preoperative: 2.83; 1st POM: 2.12; 3rd POM: 2.31; 6th POM: 2.43. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) - Preoperative: 2.97; 1st POM: 2.21; 3rd POM: 2.35; 6th POM: 2.53. Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) - Preoperative: 2.23; 1st POM: 1.75; 3rd POM: 1.81; 6th POM 1.97. There was marked decrease in lung function in the first month after surgery, but there was an improvement of the parameters from the third month, with gradual increase up to the sixth month. CONCLUSION: There was no recovery of preoperative spirometric parameters at six months postoperatively in patients with sequelae of tuberculosis submitted to lobectomy.

Fibrinógeno-trombina como tratamiento puente en un caso de hemoptisis masiva / Fibrinogen-thrombin as bridge therapy in massive hemoptysis

Se presenta el caso de una paciente joven con hemoptisis masiva por tuberculosis que no pudo ser controlada de forma efectiva con la inserción de un catéter Fogarty por un fibrobroncoscopio. Ante esto y el alto riesgo de asfixia o desangramiento, se decidió infundir fibrinógeno-trombina a través de un catéter, introducido por el fibrobroncoscopio; con esto se logró controlar el sangrado, intubarla con un tubo orotraqueal de doble luz y estabilizarla para remitirla a otra institución, donde fue sometida a lobectomía y se le proporcionó tratamiento antituberculoso. La infusión de fibrinógeno-trombina podría considerarse como una opción terapéutica transitoria, de tipo puente, mientras se practica el manejo definitivo.

This article presents the case of a young woman with massive hemoptysis (1,000 mL in 6 hours) due to tuberculosis, which could not be controlled by insertion of a Fogarty catheter through a fiber-optic bronchoscope. Because of asphyxia and persistent bleeding risk we instilled fibrinogen-thrombin through a fiber-optic bronchoscope inserted catheter, achieving bleeding cessation and permitting the placing of a double-lumen oro-tracheal tube. Later on, the patient underwent lobectomy and anti-tuberculosis treatment. The fibrinogen-thrombin could be considered as a bridge, transitory measure for massive hemoptysis, while definitive treatment could be established.

Active tuberculosis in surgical patients with negative preoperative sputum smear results.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of negative preoperative sputum smear results among patients presenting active TB, as identified through the evaluation of surgical samples. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery between 2003 and 2006 at a university hospital and receiving a histopathological diagnosis of active or latent TB. We reviewed patient histories, TB-related clinical aspects, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) test results, type of surgery performed and histopathological findings in surgical samples. RESULTS: We included 43 patients, 27 of whom were male. The mean age was 44 + or - 19 years. Twenty-eight patients had a history of TB (treated appropriately), and 15 reported no history of the disease. The main reason for seeking treatment was recurrent infection, followed by alterations seen in imaging studies. Of the 43 patients, 35 underwent preoperative AFB testing: 32 tested negative, and 3 tested positive. Among those 35 patients, the histopathological diagnosis was active TB in 26 and latent TB in 9. The 8 patients not submitted to preoperative AFB testing were also diagnosed with latent TB. The proportion of active TB in patients with negative sputum smear results was 72% (23/32), whereas that of negative sputum smear results in patients with active TB was 88% (23/26). Only 11.5% (3/26) of the patients had tested positive for AFB. CONCLUSIONS: Direct sputum smear microscopy has a very low yield. Many previously treated patients can present negative sputum smear results and yet have active TB. Active TB can be mistaken for secondary infections or for cancer.

Tuberculose ativa em pacientes cirúrgicos com baciloscopia negativa no pré-operatório / Active tuberculosis in surgical patients with negative preoperative sputum smear results

OBJETIVO: Verificar a proporção de pacientes com baciloscopia negativa no pré-operatório e que apresentaram TB ativa na peça cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de TB ativa ou sequelar e operados entre os anos de 2003 e 2006 em um hospital universitário. Foram pesquisados antecedentes e aspectos clínicos relativos à doença, pesquisa de bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes (BAAR), tipo de cirurgia realizada e exame histopatológico da peça cirúrgica. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 43 pacientes, com média de idade de 44 ± 19 anos, sendo 27 do sexo masculino. Apresentavam história prévia de TB com tratamento adequado 28 pacientes, e 15 não referiam antecedentes para TB. O principal motivo da procura pelo serviço foi infecção de repetição, seguida por achados em exames de imagem. Dos 43 pacientes, foi pesquisado BAAR no pré-operatório em 35: 32 apresentaram resultados negativos e 3, resultados positivos. Dos 35 pacientes pesquisados, 26 apresentavam diagnóstico histopatológico de TB ativa e 9 de TB sequelar na peça cirúrgica; os outros 8 também foram diagnosticados com TB sequelar. A proporção de TB ativa em doentes com baciloscopia negativa foi de 72 por cento (23/32), e o de baciloscopia negativa em TB ativa foi de 88 por cento (23/26), sendo a pesquisa de BAAR positiva somente em 11,5 por cento (3/26). CONCLUSÕES: A baciloscopia direta tem rendimento muito baixo, e muitos pacientes mesmo já tratados podem permanecer com TB em atividade com baciloscopia negativa. A TB ativa pode ser confundida com infecções secundárias ou com câncer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of negative preoperative sputum smear results among patients presenting active TB, as identified through the evaluation of surgical samples. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery between 2003 and 2006 at a university hospital and receiving a histopathological diagnosis of active or latent TB. We reviewed patient histories, TB-related clinical aspects, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) test results, type of surgery performed and histopathological findings in surgical samples. RESULTS: We included 43 patients, 27 of whom were male. The mean age was 44 ± 19 years. Twenty-eight patients had a history of TB (treated appropriately), and 15 reported no history of the disease. The main reason for seeking treatment was recurrent infection, followed by alterations seen in imaging studies. Of the 43 patients, 35 underwent preoperative AFB testing: 32 tested negative, and 3 tested positive. Among those 35 patients, the histopathological diagnosis was active TB in 26 and latent TB in 9. The 8 patients not submitted to preoperative AFB testing were also diagnosed with latent TB. The proportion of active TB in patients with negative sputum smear results was 72 percent (23/32), whereas that of negative sputum smear results in patients with active TB was 88 percent (23/26). Only 11.5 percent (3/26) of the patients had tested positive for AFB. CONCLUSIONS: Direct sputum smear microscopy has a very low yield. Many previously treated patients can present negative sputum smear results and yet have active TB. Active TB can be mistaken for secondary infections or for cancer.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la tuberculosis pulmonar multidrogo resistente en el Perú: serie de 304 casos / Surgical therapy of multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in Peru: report of 304 cases

El tratamiento de la tuberculosis pulmonar (TB) es esencialmente farmacológico, pero debido a la aparición de resistenciaa drogas, el tratamiento se ha dificultado. En ese contexto la cirugía pulmonar es una importante estrategia coadyuvantepara el tratamiento de la tuberculosis multidrogo resistente (TB MDR). Objetivo. Describir las características clínicas,resultados y complicaciones en una serie de 304 pacientes con TB MDR sometidos a terapia quirúrgica. Materiales y métodos. Entre mayo de 1999 y enero del 2007 un total de 336 intervenciones quirúrgicas fueron realizadas en 304 pacientes, pertenecientes al Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis, los cuales fueron operados por un equipoquirúrgico del Ministerio de salud, en el Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue y en un Centro Privado de Lima. Resultados. Lamayoría de casos fueron de sexo masculino (60 por ciento) y el promedio de edad fue 28 años. Los pacientes tuvieron resistencia a una mediana de 5 drogas. Las lesiones cavitarias fueron las más frecuentes (91.8 por ciento) y la lobectomía fue el procedimiento quirúrgico más utilizado (68.4 por ciento). La morbilidad postoperatoria ocurrió en 12,8 por ciento de los casos y la mortalidad post-operatoria fue de 2 por ciento. Los pacientes fueron seguidos hasta 79,3 meses y la curación fue alcanzada en el 77,2 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones. La cirugía pulmonar coadyuvante es una alternativa efectiva para la curación en pacientes con TB MDR. Esta estrategia debe ser incluida como parte de los programas de tratamiento de la TB MDR.

Treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is drug-based but the emergence of drug-resistance has decreased itstherapeutic efficacy. Pulmonary surgery is an important beneficial adjuvant strategy for MDR TB treatment in this context.Objectives. To describe the clinical characteristics results and complications in a series of 304 patients with MDR TBsubmitted to surgical therapy. Material and methods. Between May of 1999 and January of 2007 a total of 336 surgicalinterventions were performed on 304 patients from the National Program of TB Control who, were operated by a surgicalteam of the Ministry of Health in the Hipolito Unanue National Hospital and in a Private Center in Lima. Results. Mostcases were male (60 per cent) and the mean age was 28 years. Patients were resistant to a median of 5 drugs. Cavitarylesions were the most common (91.8 per cent) and lobectomy was the most commonly performed surgical procedure (68.4 per cent). Postoperative morbidity and mortality occurred in 12.8 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. Patients were followed post-operatively for a maximum time of 79.3 months and healing was reached in the 77.2 per cent of cases. Conclusions. Pulmonary adjuvantsurgery on MDR TB patients is an effective alternative for cure. This strategy should be included as part of treatmentprograms for MDR TB.

[Surgery for pulmonary tuberculosis. Review of 33 operated patients]. / Cirugía pulmonar en tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis is mainly limited to the management of sequelae such as bronchiectasis, hemoptysis and brochopleural fistulae. AIM: To review the data of patients who underwent surgical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 33 patients aged 18 to 73 years (24 males) who underwent lung resection surgery for the management of pulmonary tuberculosis. Follow-up data were obtained from outpatient visit records and registries of the national tuberculosis program. RESULTS: The reasons to perform surgery were the following: fifteen for hemoptysis, nine for lung destruction and nine for an active and multiresistant disease. No patient died in the postoperative period. The morbidity observed included empyema (n =5), pneumothorax (n =2), bronchopleural fistula (n =2) and hemothorax (n =2). At six months of follow up, six of the nine patients with active tuberculosis had negative acid-fast bacilli on sputum smear. Two of these patients died, one due to respiratory failure and another by an unrelated cause. Both dead patients had negative acid-fast bacilli on sputum smear. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in pulmonary tuberculosis has a high rate of complications but may be useful in selected patients.

Cirugía pulmonar en tuberculosis / Surgery for pulmonary tuberculosis: Review of 33 operated patients

Background: Surgical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis is mainly ¡imited to the management of sequelae such as bronchiectasis, hemoptysis and brochopleural fistulae. Aim: To review the data of patients who underwent surgical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Material and methods: Retrospective review of 33 patients aged 18 to 73 years (24 males) who underwent lung resection surgery for the management of pulmonary tuberculosis. Follow-up data were obtained from outpatient visit records and registries of the national tuberculosis program. Results: The reasons to perform surgery were the following: fifteen for hemoptysis, nine for lung destruction and nine for an active and multiresistant disease. No patient died in the postoperative period. The morbidity observed included empyema (n =5), pneumothorax (n =2), bronchopleural fístula (n =2) and hemothorax (n =2). At six months offollow up, six of the nine patients with active tuberculosis had negative acid-fast bacilli on sputum smear. Two of these patients died, one due to respiratory failure and another by an unrelated cause. Both dead patients had negative acid-fast bacilli on sputum smear. Conclusions: Surgery in pulmonary tuberculosis has a high rate of complications butmay be usefulin selected patients.

[Tuberculosis treatment. A practical guide elaborated by the tuberculosis section, Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine]. / Tratamiento de la tuberculosis. Guia practica elaborada por la seccion tuberculosis, Asociacion Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria.

Tuberculosis is a worldwide prevalent disease. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains spurred the search for new drugs. There are several tuberculosis treatment guidelines, international and local in a programmatic approach. An Argentinean specialists panel draw practical guidelines based in clinical criteria and the local and international bibliography through consensus meetings, including issues as: antituberculosis drugs available in Argentina, initial and re-treatement modalities, special situations treatment, adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs, current indications of surgical treatment and new drugs under study for the treatment of the disease.

Tratamiento de la tuberculosis: guia practica elaborada por la Seccion Tuberculosis, Asociacion Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria / Tuberculosis treatment: a practical guide elaborated by the Tuberculosis Section, Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine

La tuberculosis es una enfermedad prevalente en todo el mundo. La emergencia de cepas multirresistentes del Mycobacterium tuberculosis ha incentivado la búsqueda de nuevos fármacos. Existen diversas guías de tratamiento de la enfermedad, internacionales y a nivel programático local. Un grupo de especialistas argentinos elaboró una guía práctica basada en criterios clínicos y en la bibliografía nacional e internacional sobre el tema a través de reuniones de consenso, abarcando tópicos como: fármacos antituberculosos disponibles en la Argentina, modalidades de tratamiento inicial y retratamiento, tratamiento en situaciones especiales, reacciones adversas a fármacos antituberculosos, indicaciones actuales de tratamiento quirúrgico y nuevos fármacos en estudio para el tratamiento de la enfermedad.

Tuberculosis is a worldwide prevalent disease. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains spurred the search for new drugs. There are several tuberculosis treatment guidelines, international and local in a programmatic approach. An Argentinean specialists panel draw practical guidelines based in clinical criteria and the local and international bibliography through consensus meetings, including issues as: antituberculosis drugs available in Argentina, initial and re-treatement modalities, special situations treatment, adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs, current indications of surgical treatment and new drugs under study for the treatment of the disease.

Tratamiento de la tuberculosis: guia practica elaborada por la Seccion Tuberculosis, Asociacion Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria / Tuberculosis treatment: a practical guide elaborated by the Tuberculosis Section, Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine

La tuberculosis es una enfermedad prevalente en todo el mundo. La emergencia de cepas multirresistentes del Mycobacterium tuberculosis ha incentivado la búsqueda de nuevos fármacos. Existen diversas guías de tratamiento de la enfermedad, internacionales y a nivel programático local. Un grupo de especialistas argentinos elaboró una guía práctica basada en criterios clínicos y en la bibliografía nacional e internacional sobre el tema a través de reuniones de consenso, abarcando tópicos como: fármacos antituberculosos disponibles en la Argentina, modalidades de tratamiento inicial y retratamiento, tratamiento en situaciones especiales, reacciones adversas a fármacos antituberculosos, indicaciones actuales de tratamiento quirúrgico y nuevos fármacos en estudio para el tratamiento de la enfermedad.(AU)

Tuberculosis is a worldwide prevalent disease. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains spurred the search for new drugs. There are several tuberculosis treatment guidelines, international and local in a programmatic approach. An Argentinean specialists panel draw practical guidelines based in clinical criteria and the local and international bibliography through consensus meetings, including issues as: antituberculosis drugs available in Argentina, initial and re-treatement modalities, special situations treatment, adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs, current indications of surgical treatment and new drugs under study for the treatment of the disease.(AU)

Drenagem torácica pós-pneumonectomia: sim ou não? Estudo retrospectivo / Post-pneumonectomy thoracic drainage: to drain or not to drain? A retrospective study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a necessidade de realização de drenagem torácica pós-pneumonectomia. MÉTODOS: É relatada a experiência do Serviço de Cirurgia Torácica do Hospital Universitário de Londrina de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 2004. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, em que foram analisados 46 pacientes pneumonectomizados, divididos em dois grupos: drenados e não drenados. As doenças foram as mesmas: neoplasia, bronquiectasia e tuberculose. RESULTADOS: Foram drenados 21 pacientes e 25 não o foram. A complicação pós-operatória mais comum foi o enfisema subcutâneo (12 casos), sendo o tempo de internação menor (6,5 dias) nos pacientes não drenados em relação aos drenados (10,2 dias), sem que tenham sido observadas complicações graves. CONCLUSÃO: A evolução favorável dos 25 pacientes não drenados e o tempo de internação menor levam ao questionamento da necessidade de drenagem rotineira da cavidade pleural pós-pneumonectomia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the need for post-pneumonectomy thoracic drainage. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 46 patients having undergone pneumonectomy in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Londrina University Hospital between January of 1998 and December of 2004. Patients were divided into two groups: those having been submitted to drainage and those not having been. The diseases involved were lung cancer, bronchiectasis and tuberculosis. RESULTS: Drainage was used in 21 patients, whereas no drainage was used in 25. The most common postoperative complication was subcutaneous emphysema (12 cases). Hospital stays were of shorter duration among patients who were not submitted to drainage than among those who were (mean, 6.5 days vs. 10.2 days). No serious postoperative complications were observed in the group of patients not submitted to drainage. CONCLUSION: The findings that evolutions were more favorable and hospital stays were shorter for the patients not submitted to drainage call into question the need for routine post-pneumonectomy drainage.

Post-pneumonectomy thoracic drainage: to drain or not to drain? A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the need for post-pneumonectomy thoracic drainage. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 46 patients having undergone pneumonectomy in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Londrina University Hospital between January of 1998 and December of 2004. Patients were divided into two groups: those having been submitted to drainage and those not having been. The diseases involved were lung cancer, bronchiectasis and tuberculosis. RESULTS: Drainage was used in 21 patients, whereas no drainage was used in 25. The most common postoperative complication was subcutaneous emphysema (12 cases). Hospital stays were of shorter duration among patients who were not submitted to drainage than among those who were (mean, 6.5 days vs. 10.2 days). No serious postoperative complications were observed in the group of patients not submitted to drainage. CONCLUSION: The findings that evolutions were more favorable and hospital stays were shorter for the patients not submitted to drainage call into question the need for routine post-pneumonectomy drainage.

[Surgical treatment of multiresistant lung tuberculosis]. / Cirugía en tuberculosis pulmonar multirresistente.

Drug resistance has become a major problem in the treatment of tuberculosis. Pulmonary resection in combination with chemotherapy appears to be an effective measure for the treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. A retrospective review was performed of the medical and laboratory findings of 28 patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis who underwent pulmonary resection for pulmonary tuberculosis between January 1990 and December 2000 at La Maria Hospital, Medellín. Twenty-one of them had medical therapy before surgery; 14 patients underwent upper lobectomy and 10 patients pneumonectomy). The AFB negative sputum conversion rate was 88.9% (25/27) after surgery, during an average of 6 weeks. Bacteriological relapses were confirmed in 6 of 27, 4 of these 6 had AFB negative sputum. Twenty-eight patients had medical therapy after surgery. For selected patients, pulmonary resection in combination with chemotherapy should be considered an effective measure for treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis.