Q; How much ice saline should be arranged at bedside, if 'iced saline lavage' is planned for the management of massive hemoptysis?


Answer: About one Liter

Multiple strategies have been tried and tested in nerve wrecking event of massive hemoptysis including balloon tamponade, topical medications, laser therapy, electrocautery and iced saline lavage. In case, iced saline lavage is planned Twenty 50 mL syringes of iced saline should be collected at bedside for lavage. Though it may require less amount of iced saline before blleding source seems quiet but recommended amount for such procedure is about 1000 cc. 




Reference:

 AA Conlan. Management of massive hemoptysis with the rigid bronchoscope and cold saline lavage.Thorax,Vol 35,901–904.