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Complications of Tuberculosis: A Case Study on Bronchopleural Fistula and Failed Conservative Management

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Annals of Medicine and Medical Sciences Volume 04 (2025), Version 9 August 13, 2025 pp. 890 - 893
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Abstract

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a severe complication of pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly prevalent in high TB incidence regions like Indonesia. We managed a 22-year-old male with pulmonary tuberculosis who developed right pyopneumothorax unresponsive to conservative treatment. Despite anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT), his condition worsened. A thoracic CT confirmed bronchopleural fistula, leading us to perform an exploratory thoracotomy with decortication and fistula closure, resulting in significant clinical improvement. This case underscores the challenges of managing tuberculosis-associated BPF and highlights the necessity for early surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail. The successful outcome emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensure favourable patient outcomes and prevent complications. Prompt surgical management is crucial in tuberculosis related BPF cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, reinforcing the need for tailored, multidisciplinary strategies in complex TB cases.

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