postoperative hypoxemia and oxygen need in bakers compared with cigarette and water pipe smokers

background: hypoxemia is a frequent complication after general anesthesia. it usually takes longer to recover in individuals with respiratory problems. bakers may suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma. the objective of this study was to compare the occurrence of hypoxemia and duration of supplemental oxygen administration during recovery from general anesthesia in bakers and smokers.   methods: one hundred and twenty patients (55-70 years) undergone elective eye surgeries were assigned to four groups (n=30 each) of cigarette smokers, water pipe smokers, bakers, and controls. method of anesthesia was routine and the same in all groups. the rate of occurrence of hypoxemia in recovery room was assessed and the duration of supplemental o 2 to treat hypoxemia was measured in each group.   results arterial oxygen saturation (sao 2 ) was above 92% before anesthesia in all groups. the rate of occurrence of hypoxemia was significantly higher in bakers (60%) compared to cigarette smokers (36.6%), water pipe smokers (40%) or controls (30%). mean duration of supplemental o 2 administration was shorter in the control group (14±9 min) compared to those of cigarette smokers (30±16 min), water pipe smokers (28±14 min) or bakers (34±10 min).   conclusion bakers are more prone to the occurrence of postoperative hypoxemia than smokers or normal subjects. however, both bakers and smokers will need careful sao 2 monitoring and longer duration of supplemental o 2 administration during recovery from general anesthesia if hypoxemia occurs. iran j med sci 2006; 31(3): 139-142.   keywords ● smoker ● baker ● postoperative period ● hypoxemia ● oxygen therapy