thorakoplastiasta

Thorakoplastia is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of portions of the ribs. This operation was historically used as a treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. The goal of a thoracoplasty was to collapse the lung, thereby reducing its volume and creating a state of rest that was believed to promote healing of the diseased tissue.

The procedure typically involved removing segments of several ribs, often on one side of the chest. This led to a permanent alteration of the chest wall's shape, resulting in a flattened appearance on the affected side. The collapse of the lung was achieved by the resulting deformity, which reduced the space available for the lung to expand.

While thoracoplasty was a significant intervention in the past, its use has dramatically declined with the advent of effective antibiotic treatments for tuberculosis. Modern medicine no longer relies on this invasive surgical approach for managing the disease. The procedure carried substantial risks and morbidity, including chronic pain, respiratory compromise, and cosmetic deformities. Today, thoracoplasty is rarely performed, and its historical significance lies in its role as an early, albeit crude, surgical attempt to combat a widespread infectious disease before more targeted and effective treatments were developed. Its legacy is primarily found in medical history rather than current clinical practice.