O No Longer the Go: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing the Effects of Giving Perioperative Oxygen Therapy of 30% FiO to 80% FiO on Surgical Site Infection and Mortality.

Objective: To determine the effects of perioperative high (80%) versus low (30%) fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO) on surgical site infection (SSI) and mortality in adult surgical patients.

Background: The routine use of high fraction perioperative oxygen in patients is "standard of care" and recommended by the World Health Organisation; however, whether there is truly any benefit to this therapy has been challenged by some authors. Questions have also been raised about the possibility of harm from oxygen therapy.