Evaluating Surgical Outcomes and Efficacy in the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Interventions

Abstract

BackgroundMultidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a significant global health challenge, with increasing incidence rates complicating treatment efforts. Traditional medical therapies often fall short, leading to treatment failures and poorer patient outcomes. Surgical intervention has emerged as a viable option for select patients, offering a potential pathway to improve recovery and reduce bacterial load. ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for MDR-TB, focusing on the effectiveness of different surgical procedures. MethodologyA cohort of 24 patients diagnosed with MDR-TB was analyzed for demographic data, sputum smear status, drug resistance profiles, and outcomes of surgical intervention. The types of surgical procedures performed included lobectomy, segmentectomy, and cavernoplasty. These patients were those MDR-TB patients who failed to achieved successful treatment outcome after enrolled on routine anti-MDR-TB treatment with second line drugs. All data were entered into SPSS version 20 for anlaysis. ResultsThe majority of patients were male (70.8%) and current smokers (70.8%). Most patients presented with drug resistance to Isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RMP). After post-surgery, 83% of patients achieved smear-negative status four weeks postoperatively, with no operative mortality reported. Surgical complications were minimal, with a 70% cure rate noted after two years. ConclusionSurgical intervention significantly enhances treatment outcomes for patients with MDR-TB. The findings underscore the importance of integrating surgical strategies with lifestyle modifications and long-term medical management to optimize patient care.