The Effect of Different Oxygen Flow Rates via Nasal Cannula in Recovery Room after Pectus Excavatum by the Nuss Procedure

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In pectus excavatum patients, Nuss procedure provides excellent cosmetic results, but it cause hypoxemia and hypercarbia by the reduction of alveolar ventilation due to severe thorax expansion and pain after operation. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of different oxygen flow rates via a nasal cannula in recovery room after correction of pectus excavatum by Nuss procedure. METHODS: Forty patients (3–12 years old) undergoing pectus excavatum repair were randomly assigned and divided into two groups. Patients were given 200 mL/kg/min flow of 100% oxygen (group 1) and 100 mL/kg/min flow of oxygen (group 2) via nasal cannula in the recovery room. Arterial blood gas analysis and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured at arrival and after 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes in the recovery room. RESULTS: In group 1 compared with group 2, decrease of PaCO2 (partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood) accumulation was observed in 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) difference was not significant between the group. But, in comparison within groups, PaO2 level was significantly higher at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes than just after arrival at the recovery room. In both group, heart rate and systolic blood pressure were no significant difference. CONCLUSION: We recommend that 200 mL/kg/min flow of 100% oxygen should be administered to patients who were taken Nuss procedure for prevention of hypoxemia and hypercarbia in recovery rooms.