[Postoperative arterial oxygen saturation in children]

In 46 pediatric patients (ASA-group I + II) the arterial saturation of oxygen was monitored perioperatively by the Nellcor N-100 and N-200, respectively. During postoperative transportation a statistically significant desaturation could be detected. But the saturation remained within a clinically acceptable range after a trial period of breathing various fractions of oxygen spontaneously before transfer. Motion artifacts occurred to a far lesser extent using the ECG-triggered Nellcor N-200 as compared to the N-100. As there was no significant difference between the lateral and supine position as far as arterial saturation is concerned, the lateral position is still highly recommended for postoperative transportation.