Comparison of two different oxygen delivery methods in the early postoperative period: randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
This paper is a report of a study conducted to compare the effects of two different oxygen delivery methods on both patient peripheral oxygen saturation and patient satisfaction.


BACKGROUND
One of the most serious problems encountered in the early postoperative period is hypoxemia. Giving oxygen to patients in the perioperative period reduces the incidence of hypoxemia. Oxygen is generally delivered to patients through oxygen masks or nasal cannulae. Previous studies have shown that face masks and nasal cannulae are effective in the early postoperative period.


METHODS
A randomized trial was conducted between 2007 and 2008 with patients undergoing thyroidectomy. In the early postoperative period, 5 L/minute of oxygen was given to patients via an oxygen mask (n = 53) or nasal cannulae (n = 53). Peripheral oxygen saturation were measured by pulse oxymeter every 5 minutes for a 30-minute period. The Postoperative Nausea Vomiting Scale was used and patient satisfaction was evaluated using a 10-point scale.


RESULTS
Average peripheral oxygen saturation for the nasal cannulae group was statistically significant higher than that in the mask group. This difference arose from more frequent removal of the oxygen mask than the nasal cannulae by patients and healthcare professionals. Average satisfaction scores for patients in the nasal cannulae group were statistically significantly higher than those in the mask group.


CONCLUSIONS
During the early postoperative period, using nasal cannulae for patients undergoing thyroidectomy increases oxygenation.
School of Nursing, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. ayhanhatice@yahoo.com
Hatice
H
Ayhan
Emine
E
Iyigun
Sevinc
S
Tastan
Mehmet Emin
ME
Orhan
Erkan
E
Ozturk
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000453:epidemiology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D010100:Oxygen