[Transcutaneous PO2 measurement in postoperative monitoring following thoracic surgery].

Continuous transcutaneous PO2 measurement controlling the arterial PO2 was performed in 40 patients undergoing thoracotomy. The close correlation between the PO2 levels measured transcutaneously and those found in the capillary blood prove that the method is very suitable for monitoring the postoperative course after thoracotomy. Postoperative PO2 values with and without the administration of increasing amounts of oxygen showed great variations in the patients' response to oxygen, thus emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of the arterial PO2 values. This continuous PO2 measurement gives an indication of the possible need for the application of oxygen, and controls the effectiveness of oxygen therapy.