Pulmonary Resection for Extensively Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

We describe pulmonary resection for XDR-TB management in Africa. Although the initial cohort of XDR-TB patients from Tugela Ferry demonstrated nearly complete mortality, our results demonstrate the potential of adjuvant surgical methods in XDR-TB treatment. With appropriate chemotherapy and timely adjuvant surgery, patients with XDR-TB localized to lobe or lung may achieve a “cure” with low morbidity and mortality. Consequently, this approach may be the most cost effective treatment for patients suitable for lung resection.