How do you monitor patients intra-operatively? Do vital signs change significantly during the tumescence procedure?
We monitor our patients intra-operatively using continuous cardiac rhythm monitor, and automatic blood pressure monitor. We only use pulse oximetry (oxygen measurement) when a patient has been given an IV sedative that might impair respirations, or when doing infiltration or liposuction near the thorax. Patients who have any history of prior episodes of fainting or lightheadedness are given 0.3 mg of atropine. Atropine prevents vasovagal reactions (fainting) and the associated bradycardia and hypotension during surgery. A preoperative dose of 0.1 mg of clonidine PO prevents the tachycardia associated with the epinephrine in the tumescent anesthetic solution.
