The utility of routine chest radiography following jet ventilation in elective laryngotracheal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Jet ventilation is a useful mode of airway management for laryngotracheal surgery. The objective of this study is to evaluate the utility of routine chest radiography following jet ventilation for these cases.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Thirty-four elective surgical procedures performed from 1998 to 2002 are reviewed for postoperative airway and pulmonary complications. Data were collected from clinical notes as well as from the results of chest radiographs. This included the need for tracheotomy, reintubation, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and atelectasis.


RESULTS
A retrospective chart examination revealed no major complications. Twenty-nine of the 34 cases had postoperative chest radiography (CXR) performed on a routine basis. Atelectasis was present in 12 of 29 CXR (41%); no intervention was required in these cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine postoperative CXR may not be useful following jet ventilation for elective laryngotracheal surgery. The safety of jet ventilation is discussed.
Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA. amerati@mcw.edu
Albert L
AL
Merati
Keith A
KA
Sale
Robert J
RJ
Toohill
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D006611:High-Frequency Jet Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*