Abstract
Thirty-three patients with far-advanced pulmonary tuberculosis were followed for a long period of time. These patients had been given systematic chemotherapy and were considered to be non-surgical candidates, since their sputum remained positive for tubercle bacillus and their cavities and pulmonary function did not show favorable progress. Antituberculous drugs (PZM, INH, IHMS, etc) were administered intracavifarily to this group of patients and the results are as follows.
Comparison between percutaneous and transbronchial administration showed that the former was more effective and safer. The percutaneous method produced less hemoptisis and extention of infiltrates.
4) Changes of cavities
The intracavitary administration was effective in cases with sclerotic cavities.
5) Drug-resistance
Almost all cases were drug-resistant, however, this dia not produce any unfavorable influence on the improvement of cavities.
6) Transbronchial administration
Drugs could be administrated transbronchially with relative ease in patients with sclerotic cavities and expanded draining-bronchi.
7) Improvement of subjective symptoms
No improvement in subjective symptoms was noted.
In summary, the intracavitary administration of antituberculous drugs in patients with far-advanced pulmonary tuberculosis is a procedure which is technically difficult and of limited value. However, this procedure is deemed to be effective in cases with pulmonary tuberculosis which have been by systemic chemotherapy for long periods of time, have become drug-resistant, and are considered to be non-surgical candidates.
