ABSTRACT

Background:

Gross examination of bronchiectatic lungs shows dilatations of bronchi those are filled with suppurative secretions. One of the most important aspects of surgical management is the control of sputum to prevent the healthy lung areas.

Methods:

Seventy-four patients with bronchiectasis underwent surgical resection between January 1998, and August 2001, at our department. Patients were divided into two groups. A fiber optic bronchoscopy (FOB) was used for tracheobronchial toilet, suction and broncoalveolar lavage immediate after entubation and before extubation period under general anesthesia in first group (n=37). Tracheobronchial suctioning was used in second group (n=37) before extubation.

Results:

The postoperative complications such as retained sputum, atelectasis and pneumonia were analyzed and compared between two groups. The complications were signicifianltly less and the postoperative patient's comfort was better in first group.

Conclusion:

Tracheobronchial toilet by using a FOB is a safe and reliable technique in patients who underwent surgical resection for bronchiectasis to avoid postoperative pulmonary complications.