Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two-Handed Mask Ventilation Techniques (C-E versus V-E) in Obese Patients Requiring General Anesthesia in an Indian Population.

BACKGROUND

Two-handed mask ventilation techniques are often used in cases of difficult mask ventilation scenarios. A comparison of two methods of two-handed techniques in terms of tidal volume was undertaken in the context of the obese population.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To determine and compare the effectiveness of mask ventilation in obese Indian adult subjects by using either the C-E technique or the V-E technique after induction of general anaesthesia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a randomised interventional study conducted on eighty obese patients. They were randomized into Group A ventilated with C-E technique and Group B with V-E technique. Expired tidal volume (VTe), Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), SpO, EtCO and vital signs were noted.

RESULTS

The BMI and hemodynamic parameters were comparable between the two groups. The expired tidal volume of 702 ± 77 mL with the V-E technique was significantly more than the C-E technique, which was 492 ± 71 mL. The ventilatory failure rate with the C-E technique was 15% and 0% with the V-E technique. There was no significant difference between the peak airway pressures for the two techniques: 20.3 ± 1.5 mm HO for Group A and 20.5 ± 1.2 mm HO for Group B.

CONCLUSIONS

Mask ventilation with the two-handed V-E technique is associated with better tidal volumes and reduced failure rates in the obese population. So the V-E technique should be attempted first as a rescue measure in obese adult patients if the return of spontaneous breathing and tracheal intubation is impossible.