Pulmonary tuberculosis in children
Lowe, J.E.; Daniel, T.M.; Richer, C.; Wolfe, W.G.
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 80(2): 221-224
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5223 PMID: 6967537 Document Number: 154804
A major change has occurred in the incidence and management of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients of all ages. This review emphasizes the effectiveness of drug therapy and the declining role of surgical management of pulmonary tuberculosis in children. Surgical intervention was necessary in only two of 140 children (1.4%) with proved tuberculosis, one for a large tuberculoma and the other for refractory involvement of the chest wall. The remaining 138 children were treated successfully with anti-tuberculous drugs. Pulmonary tuberculosis in children is primarily a medical disease and only rarely is surgical intervention indicated.