Dr. Shilpa Gandhi | Leading Consultant Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon In Nagpur
MBBS, DNB General Surgery DNB Thoracic Surgery
Dr. Shilpa Gandhi is a trusted and experienced healthcare professional known for her compassionate care and expertise. Committed to delivering personalized treatments and improving patient well-being.
Tuberculosis (TB) is the serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. While many cases of TB can be treated effectively with antibiotics, complicated TB occurs when the infection becomes resistant to standard treatments or leads to severe lung damage. In such cases, surgery for complicated TB may be needed to improve the patient’s quality of life, manage complications, and prevent further damage to vital organs.Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but it can spread to other parts of the body. While the majority of TB cases can be treated with a course of antibiotics, complicated TB refers to instances where the infection has progressed to more severe stages, often causing significant lung damage, fluid accumulation, or complications that standard treatments cannot address. In these situations, surgery for complicated TB may become a necessary option to improve outcomes and restore health.
Complicated TB refers to cases where the tuberculosis infection has advanced to the point where it causes significant damage to the lungs, pleura (the lining surrounding the lungs), or other organs. These complications may include:
If left untreated or inadequately managed, complicated TB can lead to irreversible damage to the lungs and other organs, sometimes requiring surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and improve prognosis.
Surgery is generally considered a last resort for treating complicated TB, usually after prolonged or unsuccessful antibiotic treatment. Surgery for TB is often necessary in the following situations:
Several surgical approaches can be used to treat complicated TB, depending on the location and severity of the infection. The most common types of surgery for complicated TB include:
Lung Resection Surgery (Pneumonectomy or Lobectomy) For patients with lung cavitation or severe lung damage, a lung resection procedure may be required. This surgery involves removing the infected or damaged portion of the lung to prevent the infection from spreading and to improve lung function. The two main types of lung resection surgery are:
Benefits of Lung Resection Surgery:
Risks of Lung Resection Surgery:
Drainage of Pleural Effusion When pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs) occurs due to TB infection, it can cause breathing difficulty, chest pain, and other symptoms. Surgery to drain the fluid or remove infected tissue may be necessary if other methods, such as thoracentesis (a needle to remove the fluid), do not work. The two main surgical approaches are:
Benefits of Drainage Surgery:
Risks of Drainage Surgery:
Spinal Surgery for Pott’s Disease If TB has spread to the spine, leading to Pott’s disease (spinal TB), surgery may be required to stabilize the spine, remove infected tissue, or correct deformities caused by the infection. Spinal TB can cause significant pain, paralysis, and deformity if left untreated.
Types of Spinal Surgery for TB:
Benefits of Spinal Surgery:
Risks of Spinal Surgery:
Abscess Drainage Surgery In cases of TB-related abscesses or pockets of pus in the lungs, abscess drainage surgery may be required. The surgeon will drain the infected material to prevent further damage and to help the patient recover from the infection.
Benefits of Abscess Drainage:
Risks of Abscess Drainage:
Before Surgery:
During Surgery:
After Surgery:
Surgery for complicated TB is an essential treatment option when antibiotics alone cannot control the infection or when severe damage to the lungs or other organs occurs. Whether it’s lung resection, pleural effusion drainage, spinal surgery, or abscess drainage, surgical interventions can significantly improve a patient’s prognosis and quality of life.