[Transcutaneous PO2 monitoring during cervico-thoracic epidural analgesia]

The measurement of transcutaneous oxygen tension (PtcO2) in 19 patients during cervico-thoracic epidural block with 1 percent lidocaine is reported. The data demonstrated close correlations between PtcO2 and PaO2 levels. PtcO2 in about 50 percent of the patients showed significant decreases approximately 25 minutes after epidural administration of lidocaine. Complaints of dyspnea were unrelated to PtcO2 and PaO2 levels. The authors suggest that cervico-thoracic epidural block even under low concentrations of local anesthetic (1 percent lidocaine) may depress the respiratory function after a transient interval. Great attention should be paid to the management of respiratory function during this period of time.