Tuberculous Tracheobronchitis

¹ Fellow in Thoracic Surgery; Service of Dr. Ralph C. Matson, Chief Surgeon, Tuberculosis Hospital Unit, University of Oregon Medical School Hospitals and Clinics, Portland, Oregon

From experiences with five hundred bronchoscopies at the University State Tuberculosis Hospital the following conclusions have been drawn:

1) Pulmonary tuberculosis per se is rarely, if ever, a contraindication of bronchoscopy.

2) Bronchoscopic examinations afford valuable diagnostic information in pulmonary tuberculosis.

3) The incidence of specific tracheobronchial lesions in pulmonary tuberculosis is higher than generally recognized.

4) Tracheobronchial lesions are not of such grave prognostic significance as some authors have led us to believe.

5) Topical applications of silver nitrate solution in dilutions of 10 to 25 per cent appear useful in promoting resolution and healing of the tuberculous lesions found in the trachea and major bronchi.

6) The information to be gained from bronchoscopy, bronchography and cavity pressure studies will doubtless prove important in determining the most rational course of therapy for the individual tuberculous patient. Many failures not only may be anticipated but also may be avoided if, recognizing their indications, these procedures are judiciously employed.

7) The use of routine bronchoscopies in tuberculosis institutions is recommended in order that our understanding of tuberculous tracheobronchitis may be improved and in order that we may determine the most rational management of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in which this complication exists.