Postoperative arterial oxygen saturation in paediatric patients during transportation to the recovery room

ABSTRACT

Patients were studied in two age groups 15 patients each 6-12 months and 13 months - 6 years. Patients were premedicated by chloral hydrate syrup [40 mg/5 kg body weight], given 30 minutes before induction. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation of rising concentration of halothane up to 3% and maintained by 1.25% halothane and nitrous oxide/oxygen [60/40%]. At the end of anesthesia 100% oxygen was given via a face mask. During transfer and on arrival to the recovery room, there was a significant decrease in SaO2 in both age groups of patients with more desaturation in the younger age group 6-12 months. From this study, it was concluded that rapid transportation and supplemental oxygen administration is recommended during transport and on arrival to the recovery room, especially in younger pediatric patients