The Role of Lung Ultrasound During Perioperative Evaluation

Comparison of Lung Ultrasound Assessment and Chest Radiography During Perioperative Evaluation: a Prospective Study

Accurate pre-operative lung assessment is important to decide the most appropriate anesthesia plan. Until now, chest X-ray is considered the standard of care for lung assessment during perioperative evaluation. However, lung ultrasound is a rapid, simple, non-invasive, radiation-free imaging modality and can be used as an alternative to chest radiography for the diagnosis and follow-up of various lung diseases. Moreover, the decreased radiation exposure represents a considerable improvement in patient safety. Consequently, we decided to compare the data obtained from the lung ultrasound and the chest X-ray.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients undergoing elective general surgery;
• age >18 years;
• ability to provide written consent;
• use of Chest radiography during the preoperative evaluation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• age < than 18 year;
• pregnant patients;
• not use of Chest radiography during the preoperative evaluation.