Preoperative routine chest x-ray: expensive and of little value
Ritz, J.P.; Germer, C.T.; Buhr, H.J.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 114: 1051-1053
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0942-2854 PMID: 9574329 Document Number: 481451
In a retrospective analysis, we examined the findings of 3156 preoperative routine chest X-rays to define the indication of this cost-intensive examination. Pathological findings were seen only in 4% of all patients with no preexisting disease and in about 20% of patients with malignoma. Chest radiography is not routinely indicated in otherwise healthy patients, but should be performed if malignant disease is present.