Study of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Compared to Traditional Face Mask for Preoxygenation in Emergency Surgery Patients With Full Stomachs Undergoing General Anesthesia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of high-flow nasal oxygen HFNO to improve preoxygenation before and during anesthesia induction in adult emergency surgery patients with full stomachs. These patients face a high risk of regurgitation and aspiration under general anesthesia and are vulnerable to low oxygen levels during induction. HFNO, commonly used in intensive care units, offers benefits such as continuous positive airway pressure and better oxygen delivery, which may enhance safety during anesthesia induction. In this randomized controlled trial, adult patients undergoing emergency surgery are assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group receives HFNO preoxygenation with heated, humidified pure oxygen at 60 Lmin for 3 minutes using nasal cannulae suited to their nostril size. HFNO continues during intubation to provide continuous or apneic oxygenation. The control group receives preoxygenation with a traditional face mask delivering 100% oxygen at 10 Lmin for 3 minutes, removed after induction to allow intubation. Rapid sequence induction uses standard medications with cricoid pressure until intubation is complete. Participants are monitored throughout the perioperative period with measurements including arterial oxygen levels PaO2, oxygen saturation changes during preoxygenation, and episodes of desaturation during intubation. Additional outcomes assessed include carbon dioxide levels, gastric volume, regurgitation and aspiration events, nasal congestion after extubation, and hemodynamic effects. The study collects data during the anesthesia induction and immediately after, aiming to improve oxygenation strategies for this high-risk group.

High-Flow Nasal Oxygen for Preoxygenation in Emergency Surgery Patients With Full Stomachs