title: Surgical strategy for tubercular abscess in the chest wall: experience of 120 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aim to optimize surgical strategy to decrease relapse of tubercular abscess in the chest wall (TACW).
  
  
  METHODS
  The records of 120 patients who underwent surgical treatment for TACW from May 2005 to March 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. We conducted the following surgical treatment as '6C + A' by abbreviating the first alphabet of each step: (i) careful exploration of the abscess; (ii) complete resection; (iii) cavity washing using sodium bicarbonate solution; (iv) coverage using muscle flap; (v) continuous suction and drainage; (vi) compression dressing and (vii) anti-tuberculosis medication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and thirteen cases were discharged for rehabilitation with the first stage wound healing (113/120). Four cases postoperatively suffered from subcutaneous fistula which was healed after dressing changes for 1-2 months. Three patients with an abscess relapse underwent the second operation 2 months after the first operation. Follow-ups ranged from 2 months to 6 years and demonstrated no recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We deem the surgical procedures '6C + A' effective to obviate relapse of TACW.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery,  Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing,  China.
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.forename: Qun-You
authors.initials: QY
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Ru-Wen
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Yao-Guang
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Jing-Hai
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yong-Gang
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Liang
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed