What fluid is typically used to flush the pleural cavity during a thoracotomy?

The fluid typically used to flush the pleural cavity during a thoracotomy is sterile saline. This choice is preferred because sterile saline is isotonic, which means it maintains the fluid balance and does not disrupt the cellular environment in the pleural cavity. It effectively helps to clear any debris, blood, or contaminants that may be present in the pleural space without causing irritation or causing cells to lyse, as could happen with hypotonic or hypertonic solutions.

Other fluids like hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine solution are antiseptics that may be harmful to tissues and are not suitable for use in sterile body cavities. Sterile water, while it may seem a benign option, can lead to cell rupture if used in significant quantities because it is hypotonic. Therefore, sterile saline stands out as the best option for ensuring a safe and effective flushing of the pleural cavity during surgical procedures.