title: Bronchofiberscopy in the postoperative management of lung surgery patients.
abstract: A retrospective study of 60 bronchofiberscopic lavage procedures following lung surgery showed an increase of prebronchoscopy oxygen partial pressure from 64.2 mmHg (S.D. +/- 16.2) to 69.9 mmHg (S.D +/- 18.0) after bronchoscopy (P less than 0.01), while carbon dioxide partial pressure did not change significantly. Lobectomied patients tended more often to develop ipsilateral atelactases, invariably responding well to lavage; this group may benefit from prophylactic fiberoptic lavage. Cases are presented to demonstrate this point and to show the need for repeated lavage in some instances. Administration of a standard premedication dosage to patients sedated for other reasons occasionally led to worsened respiratory status; pre-medication should be reduced or eliminated in sedated patients. The effective application of lidocain and salbutamol intrabronchially is discussed. The bronchofiberscope is an important tool in optimal post-operative management of lung surgery patients.
mesh_terms: D000420:Albuterol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001285:Atropine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008614:Meperidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011292:Premedication; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D001285:Atropine; D008614:Meperidine; D011239:Prednisolone; D000420:Albuterol