OBJECTIVE

To compare two techniques of preoxygenation, eight deep breaths (8DB) and tidal volume breathing in obese patients by measuring end-tidal fractional oxygen concentration (FETO2) and apnea time from 100% of hemoglobin saturation to 95% (T95%).

METHODS

Prospective randomized study.

METHODS

Twenty obese patients (BMI >40 kg/m2) without cardiorespiratory disease nor difficult intubation criteria were randomized into two groups of ten. One group received preoxygenation with eight deep breaths in one minute (8DB) and the other with three minutes tidal volume preoxygenation (3TV) both under FIO2 100%. FETO2 every minute of preoxygenation and T95% were measured. Data were analyzed with Mann and Whitney test. A p <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups regarding FETO2 values [84 +/- 4% (8DB) and 88 +/- 5% (3TV)] and T95% [176 +/- 23 s (8DB) and 181 +/- 35 s (3TV)]. The PETCO2 was significantly inferior in the 8DB group at the end of preoxygenation [PETCO2 =29 +/- 1 mmHg (8DB) and PETCO2 =36 +/- 5 mmHg (3TV)].

CONCLUSIONS

8DB and 3TV preoxygenation techniques in morbid obese patients induce similar FETO2 and T95%. However hyperventilation effects in the 8DB group are unknown.