Projects

Background and Aims: Extravasation of irrigation fluid used in shoulder arthroscopy can lead
to life‑threatening airway and systemic complications. This study was conducted to assess
the effect of irrigation fluid absorption on measurable anthropometric parameters and to
identify whether these parameters predict airway/respiratory compromise. Methods: Thirty six
American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status one or two patients aged 15–60 years
undergoing shoulder arthroscopy under general anaesthesia were recruited. Measured variables
preoperatively (baseline) and at the end of surgery were neck, chest, midarm and midthigh
circumferences, weight, haemoglobin and serum sodium. Temperature, endotracheal tube
cuff pressure, airway pressure, duration of surgery, amount of irrigation fluid and intravenous
fluid used were also noted. Measured parameters were correlated with the duration of surgery
and the amount of irrigation fluid used. Results: Postoperatively, the changes in variables
showed a significant increase in the mean values (cm) for neck, chest, midarm and midthigh
circumference (mean ± standard deviation: 2.35 ± 1.9, P < 0.001; 2.9 ± 3.88 cm, P < 0.001;
3.28 ± 2.44, P < 0.001 and 0.39 ± 0.71, P = 0.002, respectively) and weight (kg) (1.17 ± 1.24,
P < 0.001). The post‑operative haemoglobin (g/dL) levels decreased significantly (0.89 ± 1.23,
P < 0.001) as compared to the baseline. No significant change was found in the serum sodium
levels (P = 0.92). No patient experienced airway/respiratory compromise. Conclusion: Regional
and systemic absorption of irrigation fluid in arthroscopic shoulder surgery is reflected in the degree
of change in the measured anthropometric variables. However, this change was not significant
enough to cause airway/respiratory compromise.