Anaesthetists, stop giving patients too much oxygen during surgery

Patients undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia are routinely given oxygen to help prevent hypoxia. — 123rf.com

Giving patients excess levels of oxygen during surgery is associated with a higher risk of subsequent kidney, heart, and lung injury, finds a large United States study published by The BMJ today.

Although the absolute risk remains low, this study suggests it is time to reconsider the liberal use of oxygen during general anaesthesia, say experts in a linked editorial.