Noncardiac thoracic surgical procedures. Definitions, indications, and postoperative radiology.

The radiologist should be familiar with the various operative procedures of the chest to accurately interpret routine postoperative radiologic studies. This also will assist them in the detection of common iatrogenic problems and postoperative complications such as bleeding, air leak, and infection. Furthermore, knowledge of serious and specific complications such as cardiac herniation and post-pneumonectomy syndrome can help the radiologist play an active role in the postoperative care of such patients.