In particular sick, older patients or trauma cases require close monitoring under anaesthetic as they are often recovering from shock and may have pulmonary or myocardial contusions.

 

Some fracture repair and spinal operations can take several hours and the ability to monitor vital signs and take action to correct variations can be beneficial.

Parameters which can be monitored under general anaesthetic include: Continous Electrocardiogram trace
Pulse oximetry spO2
Core body temperature
Respiratory rate
Inspired oxygen concentration
Inspired isoflurane and nitrous oxide concentration’
Capnography (end expired CO2 concentration)

Pre anaesthetic blood testing
Higher risk or older patients may receive a pre anaesthetic
blood test to assess liver and kidney function to reduce anaesthetic risks.