Effect of heated humidified ventilation on bronchial mucus transport velocity in general anaesthesia: A randomized trial

Objective: To evaluate the effects of heated humidified ventilation on mucociliary function during general anaesthesia. Methods: Male patients (ASA physical status 1 or 2), scheduled for elective radical retropubic prostatectomy, were allocated to receive sevoflurane general anaesthesia with conventional or heated humidified ventilation. Bronchial mucus transport velocity was assessed via fibreoptic bronchoscope and methylene blue dye at 3h after induction of anaesthesia. Results: Median (SE) bronchial mucus transport velocity was significantly higher in the heated humidified group (n = 26) than the conventional ventilation group (n = 24) (1.7 [0.3] mm/min vs 0.9 [0.1] mm/min). Conclusion: Heated humidified ventilation effectively maintains mucociliary clearance of patients during sevoflurane general anaesthesia.