THORACOPLASTY AN OBSOLETE OR STILL USEFUL PROCEDURE

Out of over 2000 thoracotomies done over a 7 years period at Cardio Thoracic Unit LRH, 21 thoracoplasties were done. Of these 12 were full and 9 partial. The main indications were insufficient/destroyed lung tissue with or without hemoptyses or/and with/without infected spaces. There was no mortality. Only 3 patients had residual spaces. We conclude that in a very select group of patients with the aforementioned problems, thoracoplasty still has a role to play.