Arterial Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Tensions During Spinal Block

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Abstract
Subarachnoid or peridural anesthesia (spinal block) was administered to 32 patients undergoing major surgery. Cutaneous sensory levels ranged from the 10th thoracic to the 5th cervical dermatomes. Supplemental sedation was given to 19 patients during surgery. The arterial CO2 (PCO2) and oxygen tensions (PO2) prior to induction of block, but after premedication, were compared with values obtained during spinal block. There was no significant change in the arterial PCO2 and PO2 before and after spinal block. Thus, normal ventilation appeared to be unaffected by block of the intercostal nerves. Although the mean arterial PO2 remained unchanged, the administration of supplemental O2 to patients with cardiopulmonary disease might be a wise precaution. A disposable plastic face mask performed this function satisfactorily, raising the PO2 above 100 mm Hg.

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