E-cigarettes: what anesthetic personnel need to know?

The rise in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, commonly known as vaping, presents unique challenges for anesthetic management. E-cigarettes are associated with significant physiological effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and
immune systems. These effects have direct implications for perioperative management, influencing preoperative assessment, intraoperative management, and postoperative recovery. The significant considerations include airway
hyperreactivity, impaired gas exchange, cardiovascular instability, and heightened susceptibility to infections. Anesthetic personnel must conduct thorough preoperative assessments, implement tailored intraoperative strategies, and provide vigilant postoperative monitoring to mitigate risks. Understanding the interplay between e-cigarette use and anesthesia is
essential for enhancing patient safety and improving perioperative care in this growing population.