Quality of Preoxygenation in Emergency Surgery

Study of Preoxygenation Quality Prior to General Anesthesia in Emergency Surgery

Preoxygenation prior to general anaesthesia prolongs safe apnea time. Proper preoxygenation is always a challenge in emergency surgery.

The aim of our study is to estimate problems encountered during preoxygenation, their risk factors and ways of solving them.

Factors, that are associated with compromised preoxygenation will be determined during our study. Pulse oximetry data and end-tidal oxygen concentration values will be evaluated in association with risk factors for insufficient anaesthesia face mask seal, difficult intubation, preoxygenation techniques used, comorbidities, physical status, hemodynamic and laboratory measures.

Parameters analysed:

• Preoperative: medical history, physical examination, laboratory findings, anthropometric data
• Intraoperative: preoxygenation equipment and method used (defined by anaesthesiologist in charge of the case), oxygenation and haemodynamic values recorded during preoxygenation and induction of anaesthesia, intraoperative laboratory values (if obtained)

Inclusion Criteria:

• written informed consent
• patient going for emergency surgery under general anaesthesia
• age > 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• informed consent refusal
• noneligible for preoxygenation before general anaesthesia