Postoperative pneumonia is a major complication in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. It
leads to considerable morbidity and contributes to perioperative morbidity. There is evidence
in literature that supports the use of strategies for improved oral hygiene and specialized
endotracheal tubes in preventing ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically
ventilated patients. This study aims at utilizing a combination of these interventions in the
perioperative period in patients undergoing planned thoracic surgical procedures.