Occupational exposure to the inhalational anesthetic agents nitrous oxide and deflurane during pediatric strabism surgery

Background Possible health hazards from chronical exposure to inhalational anesthetics cannot definitively be excluded. Patients and Methods Trace concentrations of nitrous oxide and desflurane w ere continuously every 90 seconds determined in the breathing zone of both ophthalmologist and anesthesiologist during strabism surgery in 20 children by a infrared spectrometer. Results During anesthesia, the surgeon was exposed to the inhalational agen ts used, but concentrations were well within the legal limits. Conclusions Despite minor occupational exposure of the operating room staff during the operative procedures, inhalational anesthesia in ophthalmologic operative procedures can be considered safe from the standpoint of modern work place laws and health care regulations.