ATELECTASIS 101

Course overview

Course Objectives: 1.Describe the classification of atelectasis. 2.List the causes of atelectasis 3.Explain the presentation of a patient with atelectasis 4.Discuss the management of patients with atelectasis. 5.List the type of drugs used to manage atelectasis. Abstract Atelectasis is a Greek word meaning incomplete expansion. Clinically atelectasis is used to define ¿decreased volume¿ in one segment or the entire lung lobe. Atelectasis is a very common feature seen on chest x-rays in patients who are hospitalized. It is important to be aware that atelectasis has several causes. Classically atelectasis is divided in non-obstructive and obstructive. Some degree of atelectasis is a well-known complication in patients who undergo upper abdominal and thoracic surgery. In addition, use of general anesthesia and surgical manipulation of the lungs/diaphragm can also contribute to atelectasis by inducing diaphragm dysfunction and decreasing surfactant activity. The classical treatments for atelectasis include chest physiotherapy, bronchodilators, nebulized dornase Alfa (DNase), and, possibly, fiberoptic bronchoscopy.