[No contamination of medical personnel by desflurane and nitrous oxide inhalation anesthetics during surgical interventions in ophthalmology].

BACKGROUND

Possible health hazards from chronical exposure to inhalational anesthetics cannot definitively be excluded.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Trace concentrations of nitrous oxide and desflurane were continuously every 90 seconds determined in the breathing zone of both ophthalmologist and anesthesiologist during strabism surgery in 20 children by a infrared spectrometer.

RESULTS

During anesthesia, the surgeon was exposed to the inhalational agents used, but concentrations were well within the legal limits.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite minor occupational exposure of the operating room staff during the operative procedures, inhalational anesthesia in ophthalmologic operative procedures can be considered safe from the standpoint of modern work place laws and health care regulations.