View report page

63
An appreciable number of cases are being treated by collapse
therapy. The more usual form is by artificial pneumothorax. Little
more than 5% of all cases seen here are really suitable for
"successful" treatment of this kind. The results in suitable cases
are, however, very striking.
A number of cases exhibiting thick-walled cavities in the lung,
have been referred to hospital for "partial thoracoplasty." These
cases have had haemorrhage, abundant sputum with tubercle bacilli
in large numbers, and a local thoracoplasty has successfully closed
the cavity and rendered the patient free from infected sputum. The
integrity of the remaining healthy lung has thereby been maintained.
It will therefore be seen that an advanced case of tuberculosis,
which in the days before thoracic surgery would have been
regarded as beyond help, may make remarkable progress with
such treatment.
The strict Sanatorium Regime in Treatment:
Despite all that has been said concerning active interference
in the treatment of this disease, a word of caution is very necessary.
It must be remembered that many cases will equally require
masterly inactivity in treatment, and active interference in
such cases may be fraught with the gravest danger. Hence the
value of initial periods of observation, close co-operation between
Clinic and Sanatorium staff, X-ray, sputum, temperature and
haematological control in these cases.
Absolute Rest, the patient having every want attended to and
remaining himself completely immobile, will in a certain type of
case produce equally remarkable results.
Clinical and serial X-ray examination will often show unexpected
signs of resolution of the disease. This treatment to be
effective necessitates experienced nursing and constant supervision.
Graduated Exercise and work therapy also play a very prominent
part in helping to raise a patient's resistance. This