The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 1980
A technique for continuous intercostal nerve block analgesia following thoracotomy.
Early after thoractomy, incisional chest pain may lead to a sequence of undersirable effects on respiratory function, in addition to causing patient discomfort. Pharmacologic blockade of the intercostal nerves innervating the incisional area can improve respiratory function as well as patient comfort. The postoperative production of continuous intercostal nerve blockade can be accomplished by the insertion of indwelling analgesic catheters at the time of thoracotomy closure.
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A major change has occurred in the incidence and management of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients of all ages. This review emphasizes the effectiveness of drug therapy and the declining role of surgical management of pulmonary tuberculosis in children. ⋯ The remaining 138 children were treated successfully with anti-tuberculous drugs. Pulmonary tuberculosis in children is primarily a medical disease and only rarely is surgical intervention indicated.