Lanthanum, constipation, bafflying X-rays and a perforated colonic diverticulum
Lanthanum carbonate (LC) is used as a phosphate binder in dialysed patients. Abdominal pain and constipation are known side effects of its use. Furthermore, in radiological studies, LC tablets are seen as intense radio-opaque deposits within the entire gastrointestinal tract—findings which can lead to diagnostic misinterpretations. An elderly patient on peritoneal dialysis and taking LC presented with peritonitis, secondary to a perforated colonic diverticulum. The possible association between the use of LC, worsening constipation and complications arising from colonic diverticular disease, are discussed.
Background ::: The Cohen blocker is one of the lung isolation devices. Unfortunately, most anesthesiologists believe that its efficacy in inducing lung collapse is less than that of the double-lumen tube (DLT). This study has been performed to compare the adequacy of lung collapse and the adverse effects between the Cohen blocker and the left DLT for thoracic operations.