Benedetta Bazzoli

Mrs. Benedetta Bazzoli

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 September 2026 in Tomography
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NRNicola Rotolo
Nicola Rotolo
Andrea ImperatoriAndrea Imperatori
Andrea Imperatori
ACAlberto Colombo
Alberto Colombo
BBBenedetta Bazzoli
Benedetta Bazzoli
LFLuca Filipponi
Luca Filipponi
FFFederico Fontana
Federico Fontana
Background/Objectives: Despite the widespread adoption of minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for pulmonary lobectomy and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, routine chest X-rays (CXRs) in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) after VATS pulmonary lobectomy remain common. Evidence questioning their clinical utility in asymptomatic patients is growing. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic yield of routine PACU CXRs following VATS lobectomy, in a homogeneous cohort (PACU time point). Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 554 consecutive patients who underwent elective VATS lobectomy (2014–2025). The primary endpoint was the therapeutic yield of routine PACU CXRs, defined as the proportion directly leading to a documented change in postoperative management. Secondary outcomes included the yield of post-drain-removal CXRs, radiographic findings, and the yield in patients with intraoperative complications. Results: Among 554 routine PACU CXRs, only 12 (2.2%; 95% CI: 1.1–3.7) led to a management change; surgical re-intervention was required in 1 patient and chest tube reinsertion in 5 patients. By contrast, 93 post-drain-removal CXRs (16.8%; 95% CI: 13.7–20.0) led to a change (p < 0.001). The most frequent abnormal findings were pneumothorax (5.8%), atelectasis (4.5%), and pleural effusion (2.0%). Routine PACU imaging generated an estimated cost of €16.620 and a cumulative radiation exposure of 27.7 mSv. Conclusions: Routine PACU CXR after VATS lobectomy has a very low therapeutic yield and rarely changes management in asymptomatic patients. These findings support a selective, symptom-driven imaging strategy, although further prospective studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.