Pulmonary function and pain after gastroplasty performed via laparotomy or laparoscopy in morbidly obese patients

We have compared severely obese patients (body mass index > 35 kg m-2) undergoing laparoscopic or open gastroplasty (n = 15 in each group) to determine if laparoscopy results in any benefit in the obese. Postoperative pain, measured on a 100-mm visual analogue scale, and opioid consumption were recorded during the first two days after operation. Tests of pulmonary function were performed and SpO2 was measured 4 h after surgery and on days 1, 2 and 3 after operation. Pain at rest was similar in the two groups, but in the laparoscopy group, requirements for postoperative opioid were 50% less (P < 0.05). Pain intensity during mobilization and on coughing was significantly less after laparoscopy (differences between mean pain scores in both groups ranged from 20 to 32 mm during mobilization and from 32 to 34 mm during coughing). Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and peak expiratory flow rate were reduced significantly less after laparoscopic gastroplasty than after open gastroplasty (on day 1 forced vital capacity was reduced by 50% compared with 64%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s was reduced by 50% compared with 66% and peak expiratory flow rate by 45% compared with 60%). SpO2 values were significantly greater in the laparoscopy group (day 1: mean 95 (SD 2)% vs 91 (5)%; day 3: 97 (1)% vs 94 (3)%). This study suggests that the beneficial effects observed after laparoscopic gastroplasty in morbidly obese patients were similar to those reported after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in non-obese patients.      

Pulmonary function and stress response after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: comparison with subcostal incision and influence of thoracic epidural analgesia.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LPC) is increasingly used to treat symptomatic cholelithiasis. We compared the effects of cholecystectomy by subcostal incision to those of LPC on lung function and endocrine metabolic response. The effects of thoracic epidural analgesia for LPC were studied as well. Thirty patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were allocated to three study groups: group I, cholecystectomy by subcostal incision; group II, LPC; group III, LPC and epidural analgesia with 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine, followed by continuous epidural infusion of 6 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were measured with the patients in a half-sitting position. In all groups, sustained decreases in FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and peak expiratory flow were observed up to 24 h after surgery. Reduction of FVC was significantly more in group I compared with groups II and III (P less than 0.05). The FVC in group I decreased from 3.8 +/- 0.42 (SD) to 1.1 +/- 0.27 L (P less than 0.01), in group II from 3.6 +/- 1.46 to 2.1 +/- 0.94 L (P less than 0.05), and in group III from 3.8 +/- 0.92 to 2.8 +/- 0.90 L (P less than 0.05). In all groups, plasma glucose and cortisol increased after surgery compared with baseline levels (P less than 0.05). At 240 min after surgery, a small but significant decrease of cortisol was measured in group III (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy produces less postoperative restriction of pulmonary function than open cholecystectomy

Summary This study was undertaken to determine whether laparoscopy produces less postoperative decrease in pulmonary function than does open operation.Ten elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients (LC group) were compared to 10 elective open cholecystectomy patients (OC group). Spirometry was performed properatively and then postoperatively as soon as each patient was awake and cooperative.The two groups were similar with respect to age, gender, and preexisting medical illness. No patient had underlying cardiopulmonary disease. Postoperatively, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and maximum forced expiratory flow decreased to 56%, 55%, and 43% of preoperative values in the OC group and to 72%, 76%, and 81% of preoperative values in the LC group. These decreases were significantly greater in the OC group as compared to the LC group, P values0.05.Cholecystectomy had a significant restrictive effect on immediate postoperative pulmonary function. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy produced significantly less restriction.     

Pulmonary function after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Laparotomy causes a significant reduction of pulmonary function, and atelectasis and pneumonia occur after open cholecystectomy. In this prospective, randomized study, we evaluated the hypothesis that pulmonary function is less restricted after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) than after open cholecystectomy (OC). METHODS: Sixty patients underwent laparoscopic (n = 30) or open (n = 30) cholecystectomy. The two groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, intraoperative findings, and preoperative pulmonary function. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood-gas analysis, and chest radiographs were obtained in both groups before operation and on postoperative day 1. RESULTS: The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (mean +/- SD values; OC, 1.49 +/- 0.77 L/s; LC, 2.33 +/- 0.80 L/s; p > 0.0001) and the forced vital capacity (OC, 2.40 +/- 0.66 L; LC, 2.93 +/- 1.05 L; p > 0.01) were more suppressed in patients having OC than in those having LC. Similar results were found for the peak expiratory flow (OC, 3.51 +/- 1.35 L/s; LC, 4.27 +/- 1.66 L/s; p > 0.05), expiratory reserve volume (OC, 0.73 +/- 0.34 L; LC, 0.92 +/- 0.43 L; p > 0.05), and the midexpiratory phase of forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) (OC, 1.45 +/- 0.54 L/s; LC, 1.60 +/- 0.73 L/s; NS). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with a significantly lower incidence of (30 vs 70%) and less severe atelectasis and better oxygenation. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary function is better preserved after LC than after OC.     

Postoperative spirometry after laparoscopy for lower abdominal or upper abdominal surgical procedures

In this prospective study, we have compared women undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic gynaecological surgery and laparoscopic minor gynaecological procedures (diagnostic, tubal, ligation) (n = 10 in each group) to determine if lower abdominal laparoscopy results in less postoperative pulmonary dysfunction than upper abdominal laparoscopy. Pulmonary testing was performed before operation, and 3 and 6 h after operation, on the first and second days after surgery. After operation, a significant reduction in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and peak expiratory flow rate occurred after laparoscopic cholecystectomy at each time. There were no significant changes after minor gynaecologic laparoscopy, whereas laparoscopic gynaecological surgery resulted in minor pulmonary dysfunction on the day of surgery only. We conclude that postoperative pulmonary function was less impaired after gynaecological laparoscopy than after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study suggests that the site of surgery is an important determinant of lung dysfunction after laparoscopy.      

Postoperative pulmonary function after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

In this prospective, randomized study, we compared 42 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 40 undergoing open cholecystectomy to determine if laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in less respiratory impairment and fewer respiratory complications. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood-gas analysis and chest radiographs were obtained in both groups before operation and on the second day after operation. Postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements were also recorded. After operation, a significant reduction in total lung capacity, functional residual capacity (FRC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) occurred after both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. The reductions in FRC, FEV1, FVC and FEF25-75% were smaller after laparoscopic (7%, 22%, 19% and 23%, respectively) than after open (21%, 38%, 32% and 34%, respectively) cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was also associated with a significantly lower incidence (28.6% vs 62.5%) and less severe atelectasis, better oxygenation and reduced postoperative pain and analgesia use compared with open cholecystectomy. We conclude that postoperative pulmonary function was impaired less after laparoscopic than after open cholecystectomy.      

Open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A comparison of postoperative pulmonary function.

Upper abdominal surgery is associated with characteristic changes in pulmonary function which increase the risk of lower lobe atelectasis. Sixteen patients undergoing open cholecystectomy and 20 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were prospectively evaluated by pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume [FEV-1], and forced expiratory flow [FEF] 25% to 75%) before operation and on the morning after surgery to determine if the laparoscopic technique lessens the pulmonary risk. Fraction of the baseline pulmonary function was calculated by dividing the postoperative pulmonary function by the preoperative pulmonary function and multiplying by 100%. Postoperative FVC measured 52% of preoperative function for open cholecystectomy and 73% for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p = 0.002). Postoperative FEV-1 measured 53% of baseline function for open cholecystectomy and 72% for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p = 0.006). Postoperative FEF 25% to 75% measured 53% for open cholecystectomy and 81% for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p = 0.07). It is concluded that laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers improved pulmonary function compared to the open technique.     

METABOLIC AND RESPIRATORY CHANGES AFTER CHOLECYSTECTOMY PERFORMED VIA LAPAROTOMY OR LAPAROSCOPY

We have compared metabolic and respiratory changes after laparoscopiccholecystectomy (n = 15) with those after open cholecystectomy(n = 15). The durations of postoperative i.v. therapy, fastingand hospital stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopygroup. During the first and second days after operation, analgesicconsumption but not pain scores (visual analogue scale) weresignificantly smaller after laparoscopy, while vital capacity,forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and Pa02 were significantlygreater. The metabolic and acute phase responses (glucose, leucocytosis,C-reactive protein) were less after laparoscopy compared withlaparotomy. Although plasma cortisol and catecholamine concentrationswere not significantly different between the two groups, aftersurgery interleukin-6 concentrations were less in the laparoscopygroup.     

腹腔镜与开腹脾切除术对肺功能影响的对比研究

目的:对比分析腹腔镜脾切除术与开腹脾切除术对肺功能的影响。方法:选择需行脾切除术的38例患者,随机分为腔镜组(n=19)与开腹组(n=19)。分别记录两组患者术前1天及术后24 h的用力肺活量(forced vital capacity,FVC)及第1秒用力呼气容积(forced expiratory volume in 1 second,FEV1)。结果:两组患者术前FVC、FEV1实测值差异无统计学意义,术后24 h腹腔镜组FVC、FEV1实测值高于开腹组,差异有统计学意义。结论:腹腔镜脾切除术对肺功能的影响小于开腹脾切除术,具有手术创伤小、对呼吸系统影响小的优点。     

Continuous interpleural infusion of bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia after surgery with flank incisions: a double-blind comparison of 0.25% and 0.5% solutions.

Postoperative analgesia, as assessed by visual analogue scale scores (0-10) and patient-controlled analgesia morphine requirements, pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s), and plasma bupivacaine concentrations were studied in patients receiving interpleural blockade with bupivacaine after surgery with a flank incision. Two groups of 10 patients received either 0.5% or 0.25% bupivacaine, both with epinephrine (5 micrograms/mL). Pain relief was initiated when patients had visual analogue scale scores greater than or equal to 4. Patients received 21 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% or 0.5% in a double-blind fashion. One hour later, a continuous infusion of 5 mL/h of the study solution was started. At the same time, patient-controlled analgesia became accessible to the patients. The onset time of pain relief and the area under the visual analogue scale score-time curves over the first 8 h were similar in both groups. Patient-controlled analgesia morphine use was also similar in the 0.25% (21.3 +/- 14.6 mg) and 0.5% (21.0 +/- 16.0 mg) groups (mean +/- SD). In both groups, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s improved significantly within 60 min (P less than 0.05). Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) over 24 h were higher (P less than 0.001) in the 0.5% group (Cmax, 1.47 +/- 0.37 micrograms/mL; AUC, 1511 +/- 323 micrograms.mL-1.min) than those in the 0.25% group (Cmax, 0.55 +/- 0.22 micrograms/mL; AUC, 680 +/- 118 micrograms.mL-1.min) (mean +/- SD).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Transthoracic resection of esophageal cancer in patients with pulmonary dysfunction. Usefulness of high frequency ventilation during thoracotomy.

Although curative resection of esophageal cancer has become a safe procedure, in patients with pulmonary dysfunction, postoperative complications remain a serious problem. Of 122 patients who had transthoracic resection of esophageal cancer, 27 had pulmonary dysfunction; in six, the forced vital capacity was less than 70% (minimum of 42.8%, mean +/- SD of 56.6 +/- 8.9%); in 18, forced expiratory volume for one second (FEV1%) was less than 70% (minimum of 34.6%, mean +/- SD of 60 +/- 10%); and in three, both forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume was less than 70%. Two patients had undergone hemipneumonectomy before receiving resection of the esophagus. During the intrathoracic operative procedure, high frequency ventilation was used, providing good surgical exposure and contributing to a decrease of postoperative pulmonary complications. There were no deaths during the month after surgery. The survival curve of these patients was not significantly different from that of other patients who had had esophagectomy for cancer of the esophagus. These patients survived for an average of 24 months. The patient who survived the longest has been alive for more than 11 years.     

腹腔镜上腹部与下腹部手术后肺功能的比较研究

目的:比较上腹部腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)、下腹部腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy,LA)、腹腔镜经腹腔腹膜前疝修补术(transabdominal preperitoneal,TAPP)对患者术后肺功能改变的影响。方法:将50例患者根据疾病分为3组,A组行LC(n=20),B组行LA(n=14),C组行TAPP(n=16)。分别于术后6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h检查一次肺功能。结果:A组患者术后肺功能明显改变,用力肺活量(forced vital capacity,FVC)、一秒用力呼气容积(forced expiratory volume in one second,FEV1)、最大呼气中段流量(maximal midexpiratory flow curve,MMF)等肺功能指标均明显下降,B、C组患者术后当天肺功能仅有轻微改变。3组间,术后6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h痛觉评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)差异无统计学意义。结论:腹腔镜下腹部手术(LA、TAPP)后肺功能的改变小于上腹部腹腔镜手术(LC),腹腔镜手术部位对肺功能的改变情况有重要作用。     

Forced expiratory indices in normal Libyan men.

Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory ratio in the first second (FEV1% VC), forced expiratory flow between 200 and 1200 ml (FEF200-1200), and forced mid expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FMF) were measured in 275 Libyan men ranging from 20 to 60 years. All values were lower with increasing age and, apart from FEV1% VC, were positively correlated with standing height. This study can be used as a source of reference for Libyan men.     

Spirometric changes after pleural decortication in young adults

BACKGROUND: The collection of pleural fluid and thickened pleura restrict the movement and expansion of lung. The main treatment strategy is lung decortication for the thickened pleura. The aim of this study was to investigate lung functions before and after pleural decortication in young adults. METHODS: A total of 63 patients with thickened pleura were retrospectively evaluated. Before the operation, patients with tuberculosis (n = 36) were treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy for 3-6 months. Patients with non-tuberculosis causes (n = 27) had been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, %), forced vital capacity (%) and vital capacity (litre) were measured before and after decortication. RESULTS: Spirometric parameters FEV1 (68.1 +/- 16.7 vs 71.01 +/- 14.4), forced vital capacity (67.6 +/- 16.4 vs 71.3 +/- 14.4) and vital capacity (2.6 +/- 0.6 vs 2.8 +/- 0.7) significantly improved after the operation (P +/- 0.01). Spirometric changes were not significantly different between tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis groups. CONCLUSION: Pleural decortication may improve the lung restoration in patients with thickened pleura and also improve lung functions significantly in young adults.     

Bilateral lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis. The Toronto Lung Transplant Group.

Between March 1988 and March 1991, 17 patients underwent bilateral lung transplantation for end-stage lung disease caused by cystic fibrosis. There were 11 male and six female patients. Ages ranged from 19 to 41 years (mean age 28 years). Preoperative mean arterial oxygen tension with the patient breathing room air was 54 +/- 6 mm Hg; forced vital capacity, 1.8 +/- 0.7 L; forced expiratory volume in 1 second, 0.9 +/- 0.3 L; and 6-minute walk test, 506 +/- 44 m. Immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone. Induction immunosuppression was obtained with Minnesota antilymphocyte globulin. All patients received perioperative antibiotics according to sputum cultures and sensitivities. There were six operative deaths, four of which resulted from bacterial infection. Two patients required a second transplantation, one receiving a single lung and one undergoing bilateral lung replacement. Significant functional improvement was observed in all survivors. At 3 months follow-up, mean arterial oxygen tension on room air was 95 +/- 6 mm Hg (p less than 0.01); forced vital capacity, 3 +/- 0.8 L (p less than 0.01); forced expiratory volume in 1 second, 2.6 +/- 0.9 L (p less than 0.01); and 6-minute walk test, 678 +/- 47 m (p less than 0.01). The actuarial survival rate was 66% at 3 months and 58% at 6, 12, and 24 months. The most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality was acute pneumonia resulting from Pseudomonas cepacia. For patients with respiratory failure caused by cystic fibrosis, bilateral lung transplantation is an effective treatment option associated with significant functional improvement.     

Respiratory functions in thermal burns

In our present series, respiratory functions were observed in patients with a relatively small extent of burn compared to that commonly represented by the published works, and for a considerable duration of time (three weeks), commencing soon after the burn trauma. Respiratory rate increased in the post burn trauma and the peak expiratory rate was observed on the 8th post burn days and then it gradually fell but still remaining much higher than the control normal value. The minute volume and tidal volume also showed similar rise on the 8th post burn day and then gradually fell to below the mean level of 3rd post burn day before the 3rd post burn week.Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, forced expiratory volume in three seconds, forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in three seconds, as a percentage of forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rates, did not vary much and indicated no significant respiratory abnormality.     

Effect of aminophylline on respiratory muscle strength after upper abdominal surgery: a double blind study.

BACKGROUND--The effect of aminophylline on maximum respiratory muscle strength in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery was investigated. METHODS--An open pilot study was performed in which aminophylline was administered continuously for 48 hours after surgery (protocol I). In a second group of subjects aminophylline was given for 24 hours after cholecystectomy in a double blind placebo controlled trial (protocol II). Twelve patients participated in the pilot study (group A) and 25 in protocol II of which 14 received aminophylline (group B) and 11 placebo (control, group C). Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring mouth pressures during maximum static inspiratory and expiratory efforts. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), vital capacity (VC), inspiratory maximum pressures (PImax), expiratory maximum pressures (PEmax) were measured 24 hours preoperatively, PImax and serum theophylline 24 hours postoperatively, and FEV1, FVC, VC, PImax, PEmax, and serum theophylline 48 hours after surgery. RESULTS--FEV1, FVC, and VC decreased in all groups of patients at +48 hours. PImax fell at +24 hours and +48 hours but this decrease was significantly smaller in the two groups who received aminophylline than in the control group. PEmax showed a decrease at +48 hours but this reduction was similar in all three groups studied, independent of the treatment given. These data suggest that either aminophylline had a protective effect only on the inspiratory muscles or, most probably, that the effect of aminophylline was central, reducing the phrenic nerve inhibition induced by cholecystectomy and thus improving diaphragmatic function. CONCLUSIONS--Upper abdominal surgery decreases inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and aminophylline has a protective effect only on inspiratory muscle function. This may have important clinical applications in minimising pulmonary complications after cholecystectomy.     

Intraperitoneal local anaesthetics after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: effects on postoperative pain, metabolic responses and lung function

We have compared the efficacy of 0.9% NaCI 20 ml (n = 15), 0.25%bupivacaine 20ml (n = 15) and 0.5% lignocaine 20 ml (n = 15),administered i.p., in reducing postoperative pain and opioidrequirements, and modifying the metabolic response to surgeryand postoperative lung function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.There were no differences in postoperative pain scores (visualanalogue scale and verbal rating scale) between the three groupsin the first 4 h after operation and in analgesic requirementsduring the first 24 h. In all groups, forced vital capacity,peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in 1 s decreased2h after surgery (P < 0.001). Ventilatory values recoveredonly partially in the first 2 days after operation (P < 0.05),with no significant differences between groups. Plasma concentrationsof glucose and cortisol increased after surgery (P < 0.05).Cortisol concentrations returned to baseline 48 h after operation.There were no significant differences between the groups inany measured variable. These data suggest that the administrationof 20 ml of local anaesthetics i.p. is not effective in reducingpostoperative pain, improving lung function, or attenuatingthe metabolic endocrine response after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.(Br. J. Anaesth. 1994: 72: 263–266) ^*Present address: Department of Surgery, Academic Hospital ofthe University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands.     

Temporary deterioration of pulmonary functions after injection sclerotherapy for cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices

In 34 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices, a significant but temporary deterioration in pulmonary function tests occurred 24 h after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy using 5% ethanolamine oleate. Included were vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, closing volume/vital capacity and arterial oxygen content. Twenty-four hours after the sclerotherapy, the patients complaining of postinjection retrosternal pain had a larger fall in vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s than did the patients without pain. Before the injection sclerotherapy, 11 of 34 patients had an arterial hypoxemia (PaO2 less than 80 mm Hg). In these patients, there was a significantly (p less than 0.001) higher value of closing volume before sclerotherapy and there were larger changes in both closing volume (p less than 0.01) and arterial oxygen content (p less than 0.01) 24 h after the injection sclerotherapy than in the patients without hypoxemia. Reversion to a state before sclerotherapy was attained 7 days after the sclerotherapy. Thus, patients undergoing sclerotherapy for bleeding esophageal varices should be closely monitored with regard to pulmonary function.     

Airflow in unilateral vocal cord paralysis before and after Teflon injection.

The effect of unilateral vocal cord paralysis and intracordal Teflon injection on maximum expiratory and inspiratory flows was studied in 15 consecutive patients. Ten patients had a ratio of forced expiratory flow to forced inspiratory flow at 50% vital capacity (Ve50/Vi50) more than one. Of the remaining five, four had low Ve50 consistent with underlying bronchial disease. Repeat studies were obtained in 10 patients two or more weeks after Teflon injection into a vocal cord for voice therapy. Maximum expiratory flow rates did not change (means 6.64 +/- 0.881/sec before and 6.47 +/- 1.101/s after injection). Inspiratory flow at 50% vital capacity improved in all six patients with a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) greater than 75% of the forced vital capacity (FVC). In patients with an FEV1 less than 75% FVC, no consistent changes could be seen. We conclude that a high Ve50/Vi50 suggestive of variable extrathoracic airways obstruction is a frequent finding in the presence of unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Teflon injection does not cause a significant reduction in forced expiratory flows and improves inspiratory flows in subjects without evidence of underlying bronchial disease.