Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2012 Jun;45(3):177-182. 10.5090/kjtcs.2012.45.3.177.

Surgical Treatment of a Tuberculous Abscess of the Chest Wall

• Keum DY
• Kim JB
• Park CK

• KMID: 1433658
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5090/kjtcs.2012.45.3.177

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Tuberculous abscess of the chest wall is a very rare disease. Few articles have reported on it and those that have enrolled few patients. To determine the characteristics of this disease and to suggest an optimal treatment strategy, we reviewed patients treated by surgical management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between October 1981 and December 2009, 68 patients treated by surgical management for a tuberculous abscess of the chest wall were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Of 33 men and 35 women, 31 patients had a current or previous history of tuberculosis. The main complaints were chest pain, a palpable mass, pus discharge, and coughing. A preoperative bacteriologic diagnosis was performed in 12 patients. Abscess excision was performed in 54 cases, abscess cavity excision and partial rib resection in 13, and abscess excision and partial sternum and clavicle excision in 1 case. Postoperative wound infection was noted in 16 patients and a secondary operation was performed in 1 patient. Recurrence occurred in 5 patients (7.35%). Reoperation with abscess excision and partial rib resection was performed in all of the 5 cases.
CONCLUSION
Complete excision of the abscess and primary closure of the wound with obliteration of space would decrease postoperative complications. Anti-tuberculosis medication may reduce the chance of recurrence.

Keyword

Tuberculosis; Abscess; Chest wall

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Chest Pain
Clavicle
Cough
Female
Humans
Male
Postoperative Complications
Rare Diseases
Recurrence
Reoperation
Ribs
Sternum
Suppuration
Surgical Wound Infection
Thoracic Wall
Thorax
Tuberculosis