SummaryHigh intra-operative oxygen concentration reportedly reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), but recent data are conflicting. Therefore, we tested whether the effectiveness of supplemental oxygen depends on the endpoint (nausea vs. vomiting), observation interval (early vs. late) or surgical field (abdominal vs. non-abdominal). We randomly assigned 560 adult patients undergoing various elective procedures with a PONV risk of at least 40% to intra-operative 80% (supplemental) or 30% oxygen (control). Potential confounding factors were similar between groups. Incidences of nausea were similar in the groups during early (12% (supplemental) vs. 10% (control), p = 0.43) and late intervals, 26% vs. 20%, p = 0.09, as were the incidences of vomiting (early: 2% vs. 3%, p = 0.40; late: 8% vs. 9%, p = 0.75). Supplemental oxygen was no more effective at reducing PONV in abdominal (40% vs. 31%, p = 0.37) than in non-abdominal surgery (25% vs. 21%, p = 0.368). Thus, supplemental oxygen was unable to reduce PONV independent of the endpoint, observational period or site of surgery. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common complications of anaesthesia with an incidence ranging from 10% to 80% [1][2][3]. PONV can delay discharge from the hospital, decrease patient satisfaction and increase use of resources [4]. Patients rate PONV as one of the worst postoperative outcomes [5].

No abstract

No abstract

The high proportion of patients in a life-threatening condition and cardiac arrests indicates the necessity for closer patient monitoring, more intensive emergency training including early defibrillation and continuing education of hospital staff in the prevention and early detection of emergencies, in addition to the provision of an emergency team.

Cardiac arrest is a relatively frequent event in a soccer stadium. Due to a well organised response system, the survival rate exceeded by far the corresponding figures reported by public health systems.