Authors (including presenting author) :
Connie Lam L C, Joanna Liu Y M, Wong P Y, Joyce Wong Y C
Affiliation :
Operating Theatre, Caritas Medical Centre
Introduction :
Oxygen-rich environments above atmospheric levels (20.9%) are dangerous in surgical field. These areas are often caused by leakage of oxygen into the surgical field during supplemental oxygen delivery.
The current situation in CMC operating theatre, 2L/min flow rate supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula is routinely delivered to patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery under local anesthesia. Disposable Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond (SMS) drape is draped after skin disinfection. Suction is applied underneath the drape for removing the accumulated breathing out air and excessive oxygen.
Objectives :
The aim of our study is to establish a new practice of ceasing routine supplemental oxygen delivery to unnecessary patients that can further minimize the risk of fire during ophthalmic surgery. Afterall, the heat and fuel often cannot be altered, leaving the oxidizer as the only element of the fire triad that can be minimized.
Methodology :
The pilot study was implemented to study oxygen concentration around the surgical site after draping. Subjects were ophthalmic patients who underwent cataract surgery under local anaesthesia.
Allowing 15 minutes to elapse after the start of operation, oxygen concentration was measured at the predetermined locations on the face and beneath the drape with the MSA MiniOx 3000 Oxygen Monitor and oxygen-sensing probe.
Result & Outcome :
From 1 February 2019 to 30 November 2019, 50 ophthalmic patients with 2L oxygen via nasal cannula and 50 ophthalmic patients without supplemental oxygen during the operation were recruited in this study. The result showed that there were no significant difference in oxygen saturation between these two group patients, diminish the patient's discomfort causing by nasal cannula and dry oxygen flow, and also reduce the expense of the cost of oxygen and oxygen delivery consumables for the hospital.
