Our Summary

This study looked at whether ultrasound could be used to check on patients after they’ve had major lung surgery. Currently, X-ray is commonly used for this purpose. The researchers compared the accuracy of X-ray and ultrasound in detecting two conditions that can occur after this type of surgery: pneumothorax (air trapped between the lung and chest wall) and pleural effusion (fluid build-up in the same area). They ran two tests on each patient: one right after they woke up from anesthesia, and one just before a chest tube was removed.

The study found that ultrasound was almost as good as X-ray at detecting these conditions. In fact, there were only two instances where the X-ray caught a pneumothorax that ultrasound missed. The rest of the discrepancies between the two methods did not affect treatment decisions or patient outcomes.

The conclusion of the study is that using ultrasound could reduce the number of X-ray tests needed after major lung surgery. This would lower the amount of radiation patients are exposed to.

FAQs

  1. Can ultrasound be used to check on patients after major lung surgery?
  2. How does the accuracy of ultrasound compare to X-ray in detecting pneumothorax and pleural effusion after lung surgery?
  3. Could the use of ultrasound after lung surgery reduce the number of X-ray tests and subsequent radiation exposure for patients?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, a helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about lung resection is to consider requesting ultrasound monitoring post-surgery as a safer alternative to frequent X-rays for detecting complications. This can help reduce radiation exposure and potentially improve the overall recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone major lung surgery, such as lung resection, are typically recommended for post-operative monitoring to check for conditions such as pneumothorax and pleural effusion. These patients may benefit from the use of ultrasound as a non-invasive and accurate method for detecting these conditions, potentially reducing the need for X-ray tests and lowering radiation exposure.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery
  • Patient meets with their surgical team to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and post-operative care
  • Patient may undergo a breathing test to assess lung function
  • Patient may be advised to quit smoking and improve their overall health before surgery

After lung resection:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any immediate complications
  • Patient may have a chest tube inserted to drain any excess fluid or air from the chest cavity
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the surgical site
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to improve lung function and prevent complications such as pneumonia
  • Patient may undergo follow-up imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound to monitor for any post-operative complications
  • Patient may have a follow-up appointment with their surgical team to discuss recovery progress and long-term care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can ultrasound be used to monitor for complications after lung resection surgery instead of X-ray?

  2. How accurate is ultrasound compared to X-ray in detecting pneumothorax and pleural effusion post-surgery?

  3. Are there any specific scenarios where X-ray may be more effective than ultrasound in detecting complications after lung surgery?

  4. How often would ultrasound need to be performed post-surgery to monitor for complications?

  5. Are there any potential drawbacks or limitations to using ultrasound instead of X-ray for monitoring post-surgery complications?

  6. Will using ultrasound instead of X-ray for monitoring post-surgery complications have any impact on my treatment plan or recovery process?

  7. Are there any additional benefits to using ultrasound over X-ray for monitoring post-surgery complications, such as reduced radiation exposure?

  8. How experienced is the medical team in using ultrasound for monitoring post-surgery complications, and what training do they have in this area?

  9. Are there any specific guidelines or recommendations for using ultrasound in monitoring post-surgery complications after lung resection surgery?

  10. How will the results of ultrasound monitoring be communicated to me and my healthcare team, and how will any necessary follow-up care be arranged based on these results?

Reference

Authors: Dzian A, Malik M, Hamada L, Skalicanova M, Zelenak K, Stevik M, Grendar M. Journal: Bratisl Lek Listy. 2021;122(12):871-875. doi: 10.4149/BLL_2021_141. PMID: 34904849