Interventions for Tuberculosis Control and Elimination 2002

is not usually an option, this is the best possible result that might be expected
in such cases.
Pleural tuberculosis
Massive pleural effusions often require draining to relieve the patient from
respiratory distress. Care should be taken not to drain more than about
one liter in a single session to prevent cardiovascular and electrolyte disturbances.
Accompanied by adequate chemotherapy, resolution of the accumulated
fluid is usually prompt. Some authorities recommend complete
draining of the effusion, 937 but it is uncertain whether this is really required.
Surgical treatment in tuberculosis of the spine
As previously shown (Chapter 1), chemotherapy alone of tuberculosis of
the spine yields excellent results. Only the “radical Hong Kong operation”
improves the results of chemotherapy somewhat, but not importantly so. 562
Because of the sophistication required, this procedure is beyond the capacity
in the periphery of national programs where adequate chemotherapy
alone is the key to success.
Superficial abscess might be drained by needle aspiration, but might
also recur after the procedure. 980
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