The efficacy of postural drainage in a case of pulmonary edema following cholecystectomy

An 81-year-old man underwent percutaneous transluminal gallbladder drainage. As the drain was accidentally removed six days later, he received cholecystectomy. After the operation, he developed hypotension, hypoxemia and ST level depression on ECG. He received artificial ventilation and cathecholamines. His chest CT showed marked pulmonary edema, and total protein of the edema-fluid was 3.3 g.dl-1. These findings suggested permeability pulmonary edema. He received postural drainage of the edema-fluid, and the pulmonary oxygenation was gradually improved. He was weaned from artificial ventilation on the 6th ICU day and discharged the next day.