[Efficiency of extrapleural thoracoplasty in pulmonary tuberculosis].

Under the present conditions, to improve surgical collapse techniques and to popularize their are a pressing task of phthisiology. Of 23,902 thoracic interventions made in the regional tuberculosis dispensary during 50 years, 1782 cases thoracoplasties were performed. By modifying the procedure of posterior upper extrapleural thoracoplasty, the authors could expand its use in patients with low functional reserves, including in those with bilateral destructive lesions. Promising results of its use in generalized destructive tuberculosis make extrapleural thoracoplasty the operation of choice in a great deal of patients.