Thoracic surgical radiology

Chest radiographs of patients in the intensive care or postoperative setting can be difficult to interpret. Postoperative complications may be life-threatening and require prompt management. Knowledge of the diverse radiological appearances of these complications as well as familiarity with the clinical settings in which specific complications are likely to occur is vital for prompt, effective treatment. Following pulmonary resection, patients often have postoperative complications that differ according to the type of surgery and the time elapsed since surgery was performed. This article describes the potential complications and gives illustrated explanations of normal postoperative appearances, for example following pneumonectomy, as well as demonstrating important complications such as bronchopleural fistula. The article highlights the differences in the appearance of the chest radiograph of atelectasis and consolidation, with illustrated examples.