The value of preoperative chest X-rays in gynecological patients.
We assessed the value of preoperative chest x-rays in gynecological patients. Abnormalities were noted in the chest x-rays of 10% of 1175 patients with genital or breast disorders. When the chest x-ray was abnormal, 48% of patients had no clinical features of intrathoracic disease. Abnormal chest x-ray results did not seem to have a major influence on the decision to operate or on the type of anesthesia used. In our series, probably only one patient would have received inappropriate treatment in the absence of a chest x-ray. We conclude that preoperative chest x-rays are of value in ruling out metastases in patients with a suspected neoplasm, but have little value in other circumstances.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Düsseldorf University, Federal Republic of Germany.
G E
GE
Umbach
S
S
Zubek
H J
HJ
Deck
R
R
Buhl
H G
HG
Bender
R M
RM
Jungblut
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000758:Anesthesia; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012189:Retrospective Studies