Plombage

Plombage is a historical surgical treatment for tuberculosis, a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This procedure was primarily used before the advent of effective antibiotics.

History

The plombage technique was developed in the early 20th century, during a time when tuberculosis was a leading cause of death worldwide. The procedure was largely abandoned by the 1950s, following the development of effective antibiotic treatments for tuberculosis.

Procedure

Plombage involved the surgical creation of a cavity in the upper thorax, which was then filled with a material such as gauze, paraffin wax, or Lucite balls. The goal of the procedure was to collapse the affected lung, thereby limiting the spread of the tuberculosis infection.

Complications

While plombage was sometimes effective in treating tuberculosis, it was associated with a number of serious complications. These included infection, hemorrhage, and the migration of the plombage material into other parts of the body. In some cases, these complications were fatal.

Modern relevance

Today, plombage is of historical interest only. However, some patients who underwent the procedure in the past may still have plombage material in their bodies. This can cause health problems and may require surgical removal.

See also

• History of tuberculosis
• Tuberculosis treatment
• Thoracic surgery