Early postoperative hypoxia during transport.
The incidence of immediate postoperative hypoxaemia following general anaesthesia was studied using a pulse oximeter in 120 ASA category I and II patients during transport to the recovery room. Thirty-two percent of those not given oxygen during transport developed desaturation (SaO2 less than 90%) in spite of receiving 100% oxygen for 5 min before transport. In 14.3% of patients SaO2 decreased to less than 85%. None of the patients given oxygen 2 litre min-1 via a nasopharyngeal catheter during transport exhibited an SaO2 less than 90%. The only variable which correlated with the development of desaturation was the duration of anaesthesia.
Smith
D C
DC
Instituut voor Anesthesiologie, Sint Radboud Ziekenhuis, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Crul
J F
JF
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients
D010100:Oxygen