[Perioperative high-flow nasal oxygen: mechanisms and applications]

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• High-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO) provides heated, humidified respiratory support.
• HFNO offers physiological benefits such as improved oxygenation and reduced work of breathing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the perioperative applications of HFNO.
• To discuss its benefits, limitations, and practical recommendations in surgical settings.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review of existing literature.
• The review focuses on perioperative uses of HFNO.

Main Results:

• HFNO is beneficial for preoxygenation, tubeless ENT procedures, and endoscopy.
• It can aid in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications.
• Potential limitations include hypercapnia and fire risk.

Conclusions:

• HFNO is a valuable tool in various perioperative scenarios.
• Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial to mitigate risks.
• Further research is needed to address current controversies.