Postoperative nitrous oxide analgesia. Administration from air entrainment oxygen masks with a primary flow of Entonox

Abstract

Nitrous oxide is occasionally used as an analgesic agent in the postoperative period. The feasibility of administering a known concentration from an air entrainment oxygen mask, using a primary flow of Entonox, (50% oxygen/50% nitrous oxide) was investigated. Accurox (C.R. Bard Canada Inc.) blenders, disconnected from their facemasks, were studied using a primary flow of Entonox. An increase in air entrainment of approximately 13% was demonstrated. Concentrations of about 20% nitrous oxide in oxygen enriched air, appropriate for postoperative analgesia, can be produced, but the methods are extravagant in the use of Entonox and are likely to be slightly unreliable.