Gastroesophageal reflux and tracheal aspiration in the thoracotomy position: should ranitidine premedication be routine?
Author(s): Agnew NM, Kendall JB, Akrofi M, Tran J, Soorae AS, Page R, Russell GN, Pennefather SH Affiliation(s): Department of Anaesthesia, The Cardiothoracic Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Publication date & source: 2002-12, Anesth Analg., 95(6):1645-9, table of contents. Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial Aspiration of gastric contents may contribute to pulmonary complications after thoracotomy. The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and tracheal acid aspiration in patients undergoing thoracotomy in the lateral position is unknown. Ranitidine premedication reduces gastric volume, increases gastric pH, and may reduce GER. We used continuous intraluminal esophageal and tracheal pH monitoring probes to investigate the effect of ranitidine on the incidence of GER and tracheal aspiration in 80 adult patients undergoing thoracotomy. The study was placebo-controlled, randomized, and double-blinded. Patients at high risk of GER were excluded from the st