PURPOSE: We determined whether routine postoperative chest radiography is warranted after flank surgery to assess for pneumothorax. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 253 adult flank operations performed during a 6-year period was conducted. RESULTS: Incidental pleurotomy occurred in 63 cases (24.9%). The performance of rib resection and the level of rib removed as well as female gender had a significant impact on this occurrence. Pleurotomy was treated by a simple evacuation technique and tube thoracostomy was not necessary. Only 2 patients (0.8%) had a postoperative pneumothorax without intraoperative recognition of pleurotomy, which resolved without intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Routine postoperative chest radiography to assess for pneumothorax following open flank surgery is not necessary.
PURPOSE: We determined whether routine postoperative chest radiography is warranted after flank surgery to assess for pneumothorax. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 253 adult flank operations performed during a 6-year period was conducted. RESULTS: Incidental pleurotomy occurred in 63 cases (24.9%). The performance of rib resection and the level of rib removed as well as female gender had a significant impact on this occurrence. Pleurotomy was treated by a simple evacuation technique and tube thoracostomy was not necessary. Only 2 patients (0.8%) had a postoperative pneumothorax without intraoperative recognition of pleurotomy, which resolved without intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Routine postoperative chest radiography to assess for pneumothorax following open flank surgery is not necessary.
Authors: Ali Fuat Atmaca; Abdullah Erdem Canda; Ege Can Serefoglu; Serkan Altinova; Ahmet Tunc Ozdemir; M Derya Balbay Journal: Adv Urol Date: 2009-09-02