Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The effect of cigarette smoking on postoperative arterial oxygen saturation was evaluated in 45 adult patients using pulse oximetry. Patients were divided into a smoking group (n = 20) and a non-smoking group (n = 25) based on current smoking habits up until the time of surgery. The two groups were similar with respect to sex, ASA physical status, surgical procedure, duration of anaesthesia, narcotic and anaesthetic use and recovery characteristics. ⋯ Postoperative oxygen saturation (SaO2) decreased (P less than 0.001) during transport of both groups of patients from the Operating Room to the Recovery Room; a decrease which was significantly greater in the smoking group. The severity of hypoxaemia was also significantly greater in the smoking group than in the non-smoking group. This study suggests that cigarette smoking contributes to postoperative arterial oxygen desaturation following general anaesthesia and that supplemental oxygen should be administered to these patients during postoperative transport.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Gastric emptying after clear fluids.
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The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between anxiety the night before surgery and that existing immediately preoperatively, whether anaesthetists can detect preoperative anxiety and to establish the presence of any factors that might assist in the determination of preoperative anxiety. Anxiety was measured objectively using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List (MAACL). Anxiety was found to be higher in females and those not having had a previous anaesthetic, and to remain constant from the afternoon before surgery to the immediate preoperative period. Anaesthetists were found to be poor assessors of anxiety unless they specifically questioned their patients about this.