Blood Gas Determinations in Larynx Operations

Abstract

At the Otolaryngological Hospital of Helsinki University, from February 1, 1965 to March 31, 1966, the laboratory made blood gas analyses using the Micro-Astrup method to determine the acid-base balance of 61 patients who were operated on for larynx carcinoma. Of the patients 20 had pathological changes in their acid-base balance in the preoperative phase and 26 in the postoperative phase. The nature of the disturbances was analyzed and with the aid of the information thus obtained treatment was prescribed for the removal of the cause or for symptomatic improvement of their condition. Already in the short time since the adoption of the method it has been responsible for valuable information which has supplemented clinical examinations; its interpretation and utilization is simple and easily adapted to treatment in comparison to earlier methods. During examination it has been of much help, particularly in the treatment of the most seriously ill patients.