High-Risk Whole Lung Lavage for An Unprecedented Oil Drowning Situation: Management Issues from a Respiratory Therapist\'s Perspective

Abstract

Bilateral whole lung lavage (WLL), a complex procedure involving large volume saline washes of both lungs is a standard treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Uncommonly, following large volume oil aspiration, the ensuing fulminant lipoid pneumonia (“oil drowning”) can be fatal, and therapeutic WLL can be lifesaving. In this report, we describe an oil drowning situation salvaged with high-risk WLL and highlight procedural and critical care aspects from a respiratory therapist's perspective.