Nasal cannula technique for ventilating during the administration of general anesthesia in neonates and pediatric patients

ABSTRACT

Objective: Minor surgeries on the oral cavity, e.g., frenulectomies, are often performed under general mask anesthesia. The objective is to present the nasal cannula technique for ventilating step-by-step method for ventilating during general anesthesia for minor surgeries in neonates and pediatric patients.

Technique: The nasal cannula technique for ventilating has been used in over 20 pediatric cases (neonates and toddlers), without the need to re-mask during the procedure and without complications or oxygen desaturations. After induction of general mask anesthesia, propofol with or without adjunctive ketamine is administered. The anesthesia mask is exchanged with a nasal cannula, using the largest sized prongs that accommodate the nares, and the nasal cannula is connected to the anesthesia circuit. This permits administration of inspired fractions of oxygen.

Conclusion: The nasal cannula technique for ventilating provides a safe method for delivering general anesthesia and ventilating during minor surgeries for neonates and pediatric patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Lip
• tongue
• anesthesia
• surgery