[Surgical policy in tuberculous pleurisy].

Two hundred and eighty seven cases of tuberculous pleurisy are analyzed. According to the pleural contents, four phases of development of this disease are identified. These include: 1) free pleurisy; 2) partially encysted pleurisy; 3) encysted pleurisy, and 4) adhesive pleurisy. An algorithm of use of draining procedures and surgical interventions depending on the phase of pleurisy is proposed. Among other things, indications for thoracoscopy that was performed in 66 patients with tuberculous pleurisy for its therapy were stated. Thoracoscopy is ineffective in adhesive pleurisy, in the presence of a rigid residual cavity in particular, and thus preference should be given to thoracotomy with pleurectomy and decortication of the lung. This operation was made in 39 cases. Timely use of draining procedures and surgical interventions make it possible to achieve recovery from tuberculous pleurisy over shorter periods of time and with minimal residual changes.