Anaesthetic carrier gases. Their effect on middle-ear pressure peri-operatively

The effects of three different anaesthetic carrier gases on middle-ear pressure in the operative and postoperative periods was assessed. Patients receiving oxygen and oxygen-enriched air did not have significant changes in middle-ear pressure. The changes associated with the use of nitrous oxide as the carrier gas were reversed with return of pharyngeal reflexes or after prolonged inhalation of 100% oxygen. In patients undergoing middle-ear surgery or those with pre-existing middle-ear disease, we suggest that oxygen-enriched air is the anaesthetic carrier gas of choice.