Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research
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Comparative Study
Capnographic monitoring of extubated postoperative patients.
Postoperative respiratory monitoring of surgical patients requires assessment of both oxygenation and ventilation. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements traditionally have been used to detect elevated arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) concentrations. The recent availability of a noninvasive technique for end-tidal CO2 measurements (EtCO2) may allow substitution of this real-time modality for the more cumbersome blood gas determinations. ⋯ We conclude that on-line EtCO2 measurements provide a useful substitute for routine ABG determinations of PaCO2 in selected patients. The nasopharyngeal catheter provides both a patent airway and undiluted gas for evaluation. This methodology can improve patient comfort and safety considerably while decreasing cost and discomfort.