Extubation

Nalmefene shortened the time from end of surgery to extubation by 7.6 minutes compared with saline. The two main extubation approaches in clinical use are the inflation technique and the suction technique. In adults, one study found no difference in the onset of desaturation between the inflation and suction techniques. The optimal extubation approach between inflation and suction remains uncertain. Patients were extubated only after consciousness, adequate respiratory rate, and absence of residual muscle weakness were present. Improved recovery timing with nalmefene was not accompanied by a measurable difference in agitation at extubation. Serious outcomes following extubation can include hypoxic brain injury and death. Twenty-two percent of anaesthesia-related complications occur after extubation. Awake extubation can induce bucking in some patients, which may cause discomfort.