Prevalence and characteristics of abnormal pre-operative chest x-rays in patients undergoing elective surgery

Objective: To determine the prevalence of pre-operative abnormal chest x-rays (CXRs) in patients undergoing elective surgery, and to describe the management of the patients with abnormal CXRs. In addition, we question whether the healthy patients aged more than 45 years really needs pre-operative chest radiographs. Material and Method: Patients undergoing elective surgery between June 2013 and May 2014 were recruited, and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Data for 960 patients was included. CXRs were abnormal in 485 patients (50.5%), with cardiomegaly being the most common abnormality. Among patients who had pre-operative abnormal CXRs, 91 patients (18.8%) required consultation or other investigation pre-operatively, and three patients (0.6%) had their treatment plans altered. Comparing between age groups, there was no different of abnormal results (p-value = 0.606). Conclusion: Prevalence of pre-operative abnormal CXRs was high; however, the abnormalities seldom led to changes in case management.