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Dr. Wahidullah Safi, Dr. Muhammad Sohail Babar khan, Dr. Affaf Yousaf
OIntroduction: Pleural effusion usually occurs after CABG. This exudate is usually small and asymptomatic. Large symptomatic exudate is also visible, but in a small proportion of patients. Pleural effusion after CABG may be associated with significant morbidity and a long hospital stay. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the patient's morbidity and length of hospital stay. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine risk factors and severity of pleural effusion in patients with pot CABG. Material and methods: The study was conducted in the ICU cardiac surgery department of Mayo Hospital Lahore for one year duration from January 2019 to January 2020. 100 patients were included in the study after inclusion criteria. The examination procedure was explained to the patient and informed consent was obtained. Demographic data, name, age, gender, details of surgical procedures, comorbidities such as COPD, PE and cigarettes were recorded in the attached form. Patients were kept for at least 7 days in cardiac surgery in the intensive care unit. CXR was evaluated for the presence and severity of pleural effusion. Daily CXR mornings were performed and examined by a specialist in a chest physician. CXR exudate size was classified as follows: small exudate received less than half of the chest, and large exudate took more than half of the chest. Possible risk factors for the development of pleural effusion in patients with posterior CABG have been recorded. Results: After stroke with pleural effusion, the majority of 100 CABG patients (87%) are men. The mean age of patients was 54.42 ± 9.39. In most patients (72%) pleurotomy was noted on the left side. LIMA collection was reported to the patient (88%). Most patients (83%) had pleural effusion on the left and 4 (13%) and bilateral pleural effusion on the right. A total of 100 patients (79%) had low pleural effusion (less than half of the chest) and (21%) symptomatic large pleural effusion (more than half of the chest). Every 100 patients (27%) needed pleural aspiration. Serum albumin levels decreased in more patients (90%). Conclusion: Most patients after CABG showed slight left effusion. There was also a large, but small, pleural effusion. Effusion mainly causes respiratory symptoms requiring pleural aspiration. LIMA harvesting, pleurotomy and hypoalbuminemia are the main risk factors for pleural effusion in patients with after CABG. Keywords: Left internal mammary artery, CABG = Coronary artery bypass grafting, ICU= Intensive care unit, CXR = Chest X-ray, EF = Ejection fraction, COPD =Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.