title: [Preoxygenation--safety of induction].
abstract: Preoxygenation is a standard technique in general anaesthesia, but is frequently neglected. It has been proven that calm breathing of 100% oxygen allows for removal of 95% of the nitrogen from the body, replacing it with oxygen. This technique allows for safe intubation, even in difficult settings. The most efficient methods of preoxygenation are: 1. Calm breathing over 3 min via a tight face mask, of 100% oxygen delivered from the circle system, with a fresh gas flow of more than 8 L min-1; 2. Four vital capacity breaths of 100% oxygen over 30 s; and 3. Four deep breaths of 100% oxygen with subsequent insufflation of 100% oxygen via a nasal catheter. Preoxygenation should be always performed before induction of general anaesthesia, especially in children and high-risk patients. Unfortunately, many anaesthesiologists do not use this simple technique, usually because they regard it as unpleasant for patients.
authors.affiliation: Klinika Anestezjologii i Intensywnej Terapii Instytutu "Pomnik Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka", Warszawa Ośrodek Szkolenia i Symulacji.
authors.forename: Tadeusz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Szreter
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011292:Premedication; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen