Postoperative Hypoxemia and Oxygen Need in Bakers Compared with Cigarette and Water Pipe Smokers

Background: hypoxemia is a frequent complication aftergeneral anesthesia. it usually takes longer to recover in individualswith respiratory problems. bakers may suffer fromrespiratory problems such as asthma. the objective of thisstudy was to compare the occurrence of hypoxemia and durationof supplemental oxygen administration during recoveryfrom general anesthesia in bakers and smokers.methods: one hundred and twenty patients (55-70 years) undergoneelective eye surgeries were assigned to four groups(n=30 each) of cigarette smokers, water pipe smokers, bakers,and controls. method of anesthesia was routine and the samein all groups. the rate of occurrence of hypoxemia in recoveryroom was assessed and the duration of supplemental o2 totreat hypoxemia was measured in each group.results arterial oxygen saturation (sa02) was above 92%before anesthesia in all groups. the rate of occurrence of hypoxemiawas significantly higher in bakers (60%) compared to'cigarette smokers (36.6%), water pipe smokers (40%) or controls(30%). mean duration of supplemental o2 administrationwas shorter in the control group (j 4(plus-minus)9 min) compared to thoseof cigarette smokers (30(plus-minus)16 min), water pipe smokers (28(plus-minus)14min) or bakers (34(plus-minus)10 min) . conclusion bakers are more prone to the occurrence of postoperativehypoxemia than smokers or normal subjects. however,both bakers and smokers will need careful sa02 monitoringand longer duration of supplemental o2 administration duringrecovery from general anesthesia if hypoxemia occurs.