[Aseptic tracheobronchial aspiration].

Nosocomial lung superinfection is a frequent feature in ICU hospitalized patients. Up to 60 per cent of these patients may develop pneumonia, depending on the severity of their underlying disease. Necessary tracheobronchial irrigations and succions expose patients requiring mechanical ventilation to a risk of bacterial contamination by water containing infections particles.

[pH and the bacteriology of gastroplasties after esogastric resection].

A study of pH of digestive fluid in 24 patients six days after esophagogastric resection (EGR) showed conservation of acidity (pH: 3 or less) in one-thirds of cases. Immediate postoperative course was invariable with respect to incidence of pneumopathy and fistulae. Fungal infection is almost a constant finding in digestive grafts together with microbial pullulation, with a linear relation to pH.

[Pulmonary complications after gastrografin inhalation during radiographic control of esophageal anastomosis].

Tracheal penetration of water soluble contrast media (gastrografin) for X-ray control, after gastro-oesophageal anastomosis, resulted in acute pulmonary oedema in two patients. In this type of surgery, mediastinal dissection was responsible for recurrent nerve injury. Inhalation was due to this recurrent nerve palsy.