Simple scan could prevent breathing setbacks after surgery

This study tested whether a lung ultrasound scan could help doctors more accurately predict when elderly patients recovering from surgery are ready to have their breathing tube safely removed. Researchers followed 130 patients aged 65 and older who had surgery with general anesthesia. They used the ultrasound to look for signs of lung fluid or weak breathing muscles, which might indicate a patient would struggle to breathe on their own after the tube is taken out.