Absolute indications for a double-lumen endotracheal tube during thoracic surgery are:

A. Massive hemorrhage from one lung.

B. Unilateral lung infection.

D. Unilateral bronchopulmonary lavage

DISCUSSION: The absolute indications for a double-lumen tube are for the purposes of protecting one lung from the other. These indications include ventilation with a bronchopleural fistula, massive hemorrhage from one lung, pulmonary air cyst resection, unilateral lung infection, and unilateral bronchopulmonary lavage. Relative indications include facilitation of surgical exposure, for pneumonectomy, upper lobectomy, and thoracic aneurysm repair.