Routine Preoperative Chest X-ray Research Articles

Pre-operative chest x-rays in elderly patients.

Of 100 consecutive patients of 70 or more years of age who presented for elective surgery, only 27 were considered to lack a medical indication for chest X-ray. Of these 27, 10 patients had abnormal findings on the X-ray. These figures suggest that routine pre-operative chest X-rays in elderly patients are well worthwhile, and that the savings made by abandoning the practice would be more than outweighed by potential delays and disruptions to theatre lists and the loss of relevant information.

Value of the Chest X-Ray as a Screening Test for Elective Surgery in Children

A retrospective study was conducted to assess the value of the chest x-ray as a preoperative screening procedure in pediatric patients. Admissions for elective surgery were compared at two hospitals, one that required routine preoperative chest x-rays and one that did not. Our purpose was to determine the yield of the screening chest x-ray in detecting unknown abnormalities and to determine whether patients who had a preoperative chest x-ray taken experienced fewer anesthetic or postoperative complications than did those who did not. In all, 1,924 cases were studied; in 749 a preoperative chest film was taken. Of those 749 cases, a previously unsuspected abnormality was discovered in 35 (4.7%) patients. Nine (1.2%) of these abnormalities were considered to be clinically significant and three (0.4%) resulted in cancellation of surgery. No differences in anesthetic or postoperative complications were noted between the two groups of patients. It is recommended that the performance of routine preoperative chest x-rays on apparently healthy children be discontinued.

Routine Pre-Operative Chest Radiography. 1977 Compared with 1955 at Peterborough District General Hospital

Routine pre-operative chest X-rays have been taken for 22 years. There has been recent criticism of this investigation. 1000 such X-rays taken in 1977 are compared with the same number in 1955. It appears now that routine pre-operative chest X-rays are not necessary under 30 years of age but that they are essential over that age.

VALUE OF PREOPERATIVE CHEST X-RAY EXAMINATIONS IN CHILDREN

To assess the value of routine preoperative chest x-ray films in pediatric patients, a prospective study of 1,500 patients, ages newborn to 19 years, was undertaken. Of all the patients, 7.5% demonstrated at least one roentgenographic abnormality, with 4.7% of the patients demonstrating a totally unsuspected significant roentgenographic anomaly. In 3.8% of the patients, surgery was eihter postponed or cancelled or the anesthetic technique was altered as a result of the roentgenographic finding. It is believed that the routine preoperative chest film is justified if the film is evaluated before surgery and the results clinically followed up.

Value of Preoperative Chest X-ray Examinations in Children

To assess the value of routine preoperative chest x-ray films in pediatric patients, a prospective study of 1,500 patients, ages newborn to 19 years, was undertaken. Of all the patients, 7.5% demonstrated at least one roentgenographic abnormality, with 4.7% of the patients demonstrating a totally unsuspected significant roentgenographic anomaly. In 3.8% of the patients, surgery was eihter postponed or cancelled or the anesthetic technique was altered as a result of the roentgenographic finding. It is believed that the routine preoperative chest film is justified if the film is evaluated before surgery and the results clinically followed up.