Surgical collapse of the thoracic wall as a method of treatment for selected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis has come to be regarded as a valuable addition to the usual measures previously employed in combating this disease. During the past five years I have performed fifty-three thoracoplasties. Sufficient time has elapsed in many of these cases to enable one to judge the effectiveness of the operation. In addition, it has been possible to follow all of the cases so closely as to be able to state with accuracy the end-results. Forty-six of these fifty-three cases have been referred to the Surgical Service of the Cincinnati General Hospital by the Hamilton County Tuberculosis Sanitarium.
INDICATIONS FOR OPERATION
The need for close cooperation between the surgeon and internist in dealing with the surgical treatment of patients with tuberculosis is obvious. The end-results of thoracoplasty depend largely on the proper selection of patients, and