Cardiac Arrest During Nasotracheal Aspiration

For the first day or so after a major operation, the patient's cough may be ineffective in clearing the trachea and bronchi of secretions, with resultant pneumonitis and atelectasis. Retained tracheobronchial secretions are often seen after upper abdominal operations,1such as gastrectomy and cholecystectomy, and the condition may be aggravated by the use of an indwelling nasogastric tube.2Atelectasis is probably the most frequent post-operative complication of thoracic operations.3 A high humidity in the inspired air or in oxygen and the control of pain are probably the most important factors in promoting an effective cough. Despite these measures, post-operative patients are frequently unable to clear the tracheobronchial tree of secretions. When this occurs, nasotracheal aspiration4is undoubtedly the most effective method of removing the retained secretions. Moreover, it frequently stimulates an effective cough. It is readily available at the bedside and may be repeated frequently without the need