Prevention of Post-operative Pneumonia (POPP)

Prevention of Postoperative Pneumonia (POPP Study): A Study to Evaluate the Use of a Prophylactic Clinical Strategy to Prevent Postoperative Pneumonia in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery

Postoperative pneumonia is a major complication in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. It leads to considerable morbidity and contributes to perioperative morbidity. There is evidence in literature that supports the use of strategies for improved oral hygiene and specialized endotracheal tubes in preventing ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated patients. This study aims at utilizing a combination of these interventions in the perioperative period in patients undergoing planned thoracic surgical procedures.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with lung lesions undergoing anatomic resection (lobectomy/segmentectomy/bilobectomy/pulmonary sleeve resection/pneumonectomy)
2. Patients with poor lung function (FEV1% <50% or DLCO<50% predicted or home oxygen requirement) and lung lesions undergoing non-anatomic lung resection (i.e. wedge resection).
3. Patients undergoing esophageal resection.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with ongoing symptomatic dental infections.
2. Patients with recent/ongoing pneumonia (<15 days from initial surgical patient evaluation).
3. Patients who've received a therapeutic course of antibiotics within 15 days prior to thoracic surgery.
4. Patients with a preexisting tracheostomy.
5. Age<18
6. Patients with an allergy to Peridex/chlorhexidine solution