Effect of accumulated Stomach Gas due to Positive Pressure Ventilation in Children on Oximetery Values

Abstract

stomach gas in children, undergoing positive pressureventilation with face mask, helps in improving the arterialoxygen saturation. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental studywhose procedures were performed at Combined MilitaryHospital, Lahore and Mardan, from May 2005 to Nov 2006.Fifty children scheduled for surgery were included. Agerange of patients was between 06 months to 02 years.Patient status was American Society of AnaesthesiologistsI and II. All were ‘nil by mouth’ for the past 4-6 hours.In 25 cases undergoing positive pressure ventilation, thestomach gas was removed by nasogastric tube (Group A).In the other 25 cases the stomach gas was not removed(Group B). Oximetery was done during the conduct ofanaesthesia. Average value of each case was determinedand the data compared and analyzed. Results: 80% of patients in whom stomach gas wasremoved showed 100% oxygen saturation (SPO2) and theremaining 20% patients had 99% saturation. Whereas thegroup in which stomach gas was not removed, 48%patients showed 100% saturation, 32% patients had 99%and 20% patients had 98% oxygen saturation. Conclusion: Positive pressure ventilation with facemask in children can cause gaseous distension ofthe stomach. Removal of this gas can help improve theoxygen saturation