Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of constant vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) and focus clearance among the postoperative patients with thoracic tuberculosis (TB) in the type of ulceration or thoracic wall incision infection conditions.  Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed on 34 patients with thoracic TB who were hospitalized in the 3rd People’s Hospital of Shenzhen and received continuous VSD and focus clearance from March 2011 to March 2014. The effect and prognosis of the patients were analyzed. Results The incision healed in 32 cases while partial wound infection happened in 2 cases (they were cured after dressing change). All cases were cured and no recurrence during the follow-up (an average of one year and a range of 3-24 months).  Conclusion The continuous VSD and focus clearance technique can reduce the recurrence of thoracic TB and its clinical effect is satisfied.

Key words: Empyema, tuberculous/therapy, Drainage