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R/ led to an additional 6% sputum conversion. Sauerbruchs para-vertebral thoracoplasty,
an extensive operation, was impossible if both lungs were infected, had a low success rate
(35%) and a high mortality rate (12%). Apicolysis with / without plombage followed,
a procedure involving lysis of the lung apex / apices, in some cases followed by
introduction of lead pellets (plombage). Apicolysis with total resection of the first
rib proved more successful: average cure rate of 60-70%, a mortality rate of 4.7%, and
possible in case of bilateral TB. |