Gastroesophageal reflux and tracheal aspiration in the thoracotomy position: should ranitidine premedication be routine?

Unlabelled: Aspiration of gastric contents may contribute to pulmonary complications after thoracotomy. The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and tracheal acid aspiration in patients undergoing thoracotomy in the lateral position is unknown. Ranitidine premedication reduces gastric volume, increases gastric pH, and may reduce GER.

Does lung biopsy help patients with interstitial lung disease?

Objectives: The decision to perform lung biopsy in the evaluation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is based on the probability that this examination will yield a specific diagnosis, leading to a change in treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the diagnostic yield of lung biopsy for ILD.

Methods: One hundred patients underwent lung biopsy for ILD over a 5-year period.