Aspiration postoperative pneumonia

The mechanisms responsible for postoperative pneumonia are similar to the etiologies of other types of nosocomial pneumonia. The most frequent mechanism for bacteria to enter the lower respiratory tract is via aspiration of contaminated oropharyngeal or gastric fluids. Less commonly, organisms can be transmitted via contaminated anesthesia or respiratory therapy equipment or may spread hematogenously from a distant site of infection. As described later, both general anesthesia and postoperative alterations in pulmonary mechanics may increase the likelihood of infection after bacterial contamination of the lower respiratory tract. 

A tracheal aspirate positive for bacteria at the time of surgery is associated with an increased risk of postoperative pneumonia (12,13). In a prospective study of 100 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, a culture was obtained by endotracheal tube immediately after induction of anesthesia and tracheal intubation (12). Lower respiratory tract infection later developed in 8 of 26... 

Unlabeled Uses Prevention of aspiration pneumonia treatment of drug-related postoperative nausea and vomiting, persistent hiccups, slow gastric emptying, vascular headaches... 

Unlabeled Uses Prevention of aspiration pneumonia, treatment of recurrent postoperative ulcer, upper GI bleeding, prevention of acid aspiration pneumonitis during surgery, prevention of stress-induced ulcers. 

---