Pulmonary resection for extensively drug resistant tuberculosis in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Background: Extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) has been reported in 58 countries around the world and has emerged as a major public health challenge. Our objective was to determine the impact of pulmonary resection on XDR-TB treatment outcomes in a resource-constrained setting.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case review of 11 patients with XDR-TB who were referred for pulmonary resection between January 2007 and June 2010 at a tertiary care referral hospital in South Africa. Two pneumonectomies and three upper lobectomies were performed. Occurrence of surgical complications and TB treatment outcome were assessed.

Results: No perioperative mortality or major morbidity was noted. All patients achieved sputum conversion, with 4 regarded as "cured." One patient defaulted on treatment, but subsequently returned and is regarded as a probable cure.

Conclusions: 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.