[The incidence of postoperative hypoxaemia during transportation to the recovery area].

Abstract

Background: Transportation to the recovery room after surgery can be associated with significant hypoxaemia, if a portable oxygen source and a pulse oximeter are not used. We analysed the condition of patients on admission to recovery after being transported from the operating room without additional oxygen and monitoring.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-one ASA II and III patients, aged 58.2 ± 15.96 years, were enrolled to the study. SaO2 readings immediately before transportation, and on arrival in recovery, were compared. Additionally, blood-gas analysis was performed 10 min after admission to the recovery room. The duration times of transport (T1), lack of monitoring (T2) and breathing with room air (T3) were measured.

Results: The mean SaO2 before transportation was 96.9 ± 10.55%, and on arrival in the recovery room was 93.0% ± 6.35. The mean T values were: T1 - 90.0 ± 94.2 s, T2 - 152.6 ± 86.6 s, and T3 - 122.9 ± 86.8 s. Although the length of transport time was relatively short, mild hypoxaemia was observed in all patients, with the SaO2 returning to normal after 10 min on 40% oxygen. Blood gas analysis revealed mild respiratory acidosis in 73% of cases.

Conclusion: Additional oxygen via face mask and appropriate monitoring should be provided to all patients during transportation from the operating room to the recovery area.