The value of preoperative chest X-rays in gynecological patients

We assessed the value of preoperative chest x-rays in gynecological patients. Abnormalities were noted in the chest x-rays of 10% of 1175 patients with genital or breast disorders. When the chest x-ray was abnormal, 48% of patients had no clinical features of intrathoracic disease. Abnormal chest x-ray results did not seem to have a major influence on the decision to operate or on the type of anesthesia used. In our series, probably only one patient would have received inappropriate treatment in the absence of a chest x-ray. We conclude that preoperative chest x-rays are of value in ruling out metastases in patients with a suspected neoplasm, but have little value in other circumstances.