Management

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Gynaecology

Atelectasis (post-operative)

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Prevention is the best form of management. If postoperative atelactasis does occur then management is as follows:

removal of impacted secretions by coughing, managed by physiotherapists, and involves

active chest percussion and breathing exercises

ensure adequate analgesia, which may require an intercostal block in upper abdominal incisions

if the condition is severe then a catheter can be passed into the bronchi and secretions directly aspirated via the nose or an endotracheal tube

if pyrexia is persistent for more than 48 hours then there is a probable secondary chest infection:

likely organism is pneumococcus so treat with augmentin

if there was possible aspiration then treat also with metronidazole

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Management

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