Evaluation and Control of Waste Anesthetic Gases in the Postanesthesia Care Unit

BackgroundFew studies have addressed waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) related to exhaled sevoflurane and nitrous oxide.PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of a new scavenging system to control WAGs in the PACU.DesignComparative and descriptive study.MethodsThis pilot study compared exposure to WAGs with and without a scavenging system using infrared technology to visualize and quantify exposure to these gases in the PACU.FindingThe results showed a significant reduction (P < .05) in both nitrous oxide and sevoflurane at both six inches and three feet from the patient's breathing zone, as well as in the work area of the perianesthesia nurses in the PACU.ConclusionsWAG exposure may be more easily managed through the use of this new scavenging system to better control occupational exposures to these gases among PACU personnel.