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96
Dr. Crawford's observations are contained in the following
report:—
Rest
The use of fairly prolonged complete rest in bed in cases
where this is likely to prove of value continues to be the mainstay
of treatment. Its assistance in the healing of lesions is shown in
the disappearance of sputum, the great improvement in general
condition, gain in weight, and the clearing of shadows seen in
the X-Ray picture. The bcneficial effects of rest become more
and more evident to the patients themselves.
Artificial Pneumothorax.
Twenty inductions were performed during the year, and
were continued. In other three cases attempts were made to
obtain collapse of a diseased lung, but were unsuccessful owing
to old-standing pleural involvement.
In all, 28 cases of unilateral collapse were treated and 326
refills were given. Five cases were discontinued, the collapse in
each case being non-selective because of adhesions.
Continual use has been made of the X-Ray plant in controlling
these cases and in assessing the value of treatment.
Where small adhesions prevent complete collapse of the
lung, division of these by the cautery is often possible, and
inspection of the pleural cavity by the thoracoscope permits the
surgeon to decide if this is feasible. Three cases were so dealt
with from the Sanatorium, two at the London Hospital, and one
at Brompton Hospital.
Gold Salts.
This useful adjunct to Sanatorium treatment was continued
throughout the year. In a number of cases, healing of the lung
lesions, with cessation of sputum was noted; in others, diminution
in the quantity of sputum was seen with disappearance of
tubercle bacilli from it.
Eighteen courses of treatment commenced in 1936 were completed.
Fifty-six courses were commenced in 1937, of which
nineteen were current at the end of the year.