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Many children are sent to a School of Recovery by the School
Medical Department, or to Convalescent Homes through the
Invalid Children's Aid Association.
The presence of Open-Air Schools (a) for delicate children,
and (b) for tuberculous children not requiring residential treatment,
would be of very material advantage.
The Use of Thoracic Surgery in Treatment.
Increasing use is being made of surgical collapse of the lung
in the treatment of carefully selected cases. The operations of
Phrenic Evulsion and Thoracoplasty in the hands of a specialised
thoracic surgeon now present no more risk than any other major
operations. It is essential, however, that the closest co-operation
between the physician and thoracic surgeon should be secured in
the interests of the patient.
In connection with the work of the Clinic there have been
9 Thoracoplastic and 6 Phrenic Evulsion operations.
During the year a young woman aged 30 years, who was almost
moribund with advanced disease in the left lung complicated by
advanced tuberculous laryngitis, has been saved by a thoracoplastic
operation. Moreover, her larynx has healed and her voice
has returned. She is shortly to go to the Papworth Colony, where
it is hoped she will resume her work as a typist in a protected
atmosphere.
Specific Therapy in Treatment.
The use of Sanocrysin, Insulin, Calcium and Tuberculin is
utilised in selected cases often with great advantage.
Dental Treatment.
Patients eligible for dental treatment are those who are unable
to derive full benefit from their treatment for tuberculosis owing
to oral sepsis. The Council provide this form of treatment for
uninsured cases except for patients already covered by dental
schemes of other bodies, e.g., school children and tuberculous
pensioners are excluded from benefit. For insured persons who
are tuberculous, the approved societies make a contribution
towards the cost of dental attention required,