Body position and the effectiveness of mask ventilation in anaesthetised paralysed obese patients A randomised cross-over study

BACKGROUND Airway management is more challenging in the obese. Compared with the supine position, the sitting position can decrease the collapsibility of the upper airway and improve respiratory mechanics. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the 25 degrees semisitting position on the effectiveness of mask ventilation in anaesthetised paralysed obese patients. DESIGN A randomised, cross-over study. SETTING Medical centre managed by a university tertiary hospital. PATIENTS Thirty-eight obese adults scheduled for general anaesthesia. METHODS After anaesthesia and paralysis, two-handed mask ventilation was performed in the supine and 25 degrees semi-sitting positions with a cross-over, in a randomised order. During mask ventilation, mechanical ventilation was delivered with a pressure-controlled mode with a peak inspiratory pressure of 15 cmH(2)O, a respiratory rate of 15 bpm, and no positive end-expiratory pressure. Ventilatory outcomes were based upon lean body weight. MAIN OUTCOMES Exhaled tidal volume (ml kg(-1)), respiratory minute volume (ml kg(-1) min(-1)), and the occurrence of inadequate ventilation, defined as an exhaled tidal volume less than 4 ml kg(-1), or absence of end-tidal CO2 recording. RESULTS Exhaled tidal volume (mean +/- SD) in the 25 degrees semi-sitting position was higher than in the supine position, 9.3 +/- 2.7 vs. 7.6 +/- 2.4 ml kg(-1); P less than 0.001. Respiratory minute volume was improved in the 25 degrees semisitting position compared with that in the supine position, 139.6 +/- 40.7 vs. 113.4 +/- 35.7 ml kg(-1) min(-1); P less than 0.001. CONCLUSION The 25 degrees semisitting position improved mask ventilation compared with the supine position in anaesthetised paralysed obese patients. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03996161).

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the 25 degrees semisitting position on mask ventilation in anaesthetised paralysed obese patients. The results showed that the 25 degrees semisitting position improved mask ventilation compared to the supine position.