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.      

The effects of different abdominal pressures on pulmonary function test results in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

This study aimed to examine the effects of differing intra-abdominal pressures on pulmonary function test results in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Forty-five patients were operated on under 3 different intra-abdominal pressures: group A (8 mm Hg), group B (12 mm Hg), and group C (15 mm Hg). On the first day before and after the operation, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC rate, peak expiratory flow speed (PEF), and maximal middle expiration speed (FEF25-75) values were measured using Vmax 229 spirometry. No significant differences were observed among the 3 groups regarding preoperative and postoperative FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF25-75 values (P=0.96, P=0.73, P=0.48, P=0.34, and P=0.33, respectively). When the groups' preoperative and postoperative values were compared, FVC, FEV1, and PEF values significantly decreased in each group. The FEF25-75 values statistically significantly decreased in groups B and C when compared with their preoperative values; however, the decrease in group A was not significant. In conclusion, different intra-abdominal pressures during laparoscopic cholecystectomy had similar effects on pulmonary function test results. However, lower intra-abdominal pressures were associated with slightly more negative effects on FEF25-75 values.     

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。     

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.     

免气腹腹腔镜胆囊切除术对呼吸循环及术后并发症的影响

目的 研究免气腹腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)对呼吸循环功能及术后并发症的影响.方法 60例择期LC患者,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,用随机数字表法分为A、B两组,每组30例,A组为免气腹组,B组为气腹组.全麻后,潮气量均为10 ml/kg,呼吸频率(RR)均为12次/分,吸呼...     

Daily comparison of respiratory functions between on-pump and off-pump patients undergoing CABG.

OBJECTIVE: Widespread application of on-pump revascularization procedures is increasing due to the thought of elimination of untoward effects of cardiopulmonary circuit. Thus, whether off-pump coronary artery surgery eliminates side effects especially related to respiratory functions is still controversial. Although many previous studies have evaluated these respiratory functions, daily comparison of 12 parameters was not included in any of the studies. The aim of our prospective study was to ascertain whether off-pump coronary operation improves pulmonary functions and postoperative recovery period when compared with on-pump technique and whether early discharge of patients with off-pump surgery is the result of respiratory improvement. METHODS: Eighteen patients in each group were included: on-pump group underwent coronary revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass and off-pump with stabilization. Respiratory function tests and arterial blood gas analyses were performed preoperatively and daily after operation function tests included forced expiratory volume (FEV) in 1s, forced vital capacity (FVC), expiratory reserve volume, vital capacity, quotient of FEV in 1s to FVC, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), tidal volume, and forced midexpiratory flow. Blood gas analyses included partial arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure, arterial pH and hematocrit (Hct). RESULTS: Preoperative pulmonary functions and arterial blood gases were not statistically significant between groups except MVV and partial arterial oxygen pressure. MVV was slightly higher in on-pump group and partial arterial oxygen pressure was slightly lower in on-pump group. During postoperative first day Hct (P=0.004) and FEV in 1s (P=0.049) values and third day partial arterial oxygen pressure (P=0.011) and Hct (P=0.011) values were lower in on-pump group. Mean extubation, duration in postoperative suit and hospital discharge times, mean blood loss were not statistically significant between groups postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary functions and arterial blood gases were not improved in off-pump patients when compared with on-pump patients. Patients going to be surgically revascularized should not be altered to off-pump surgery merely with the hope of improving respiratory functions with off-pump technique. As the postoperative stay times at surgical theatre and hospital is not different and the extubation times were similar, early discharge of patients with off-pump surgery cannot be related merely to better preservation of respiratory functions.     

Postoperative pulmonary dysfunction after bilateral inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized study comparing the Stoppa procedure with laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair (TEPP)

The infraumbilical incision required for open repair of bilateral inguinal hernia with a giant prosthesis is associated with postoperative pain and respiratory impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative respiratory dysfunction after bilateral hernia surgery. Thirty-nine patients were randomized into two groups: open repair according to the Stoppa technique and laparoscopic extraperitoneal repair (TEPP). Respiratory function tests were performed before and 24 hours after surgery. The two groups were well matched for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk score, type of hernia, and preoperative lung function. The postoperative forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1.0) were significantly altered in both groups. The PEF dropped 15% in both groups. The FVC dropped 22% after Stoppa versus 25% after laparoscopy (P = 0.7). The FEV 1.0 dropped 21% after Stoppa versus 9% after laparoscopy (P = 0.12). We conclude that laparoscopic preperitoneal and open bilateral hernia repair are followed by similar ventilatory dysfunction, although a trend toward better postoperative FEV 1.0 was noted after laparoscopy. This might play a role in selected patients with severe pulmonary limitations. Overall, the limited drop in pulmonary function following bilateral hernia repair under general anesthesia may serve to explain the low pulmonary morbidity that follows these procedures.     

Physiological and metabolic responses to open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

This study examined respiratory function and metabolic and subjective responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic (n = 10) and open (n = 11) cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis and biliary colic. Patient groups were matched for age, sex, weight and height. The duration of operation was similar in both groups. Respiratory function tests (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak flow and arterial blood gases), urinary cortisol, vanillylmandelic acid, metanephrines and nitrogen loss, serum complement component C3 and C-reactive protein (CRP), full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and subjective responses as assessed on a pain analogue scale and by analgesic usage were determined for up to 48 h after surgery. Deterioration in perioperative respiratory function was significantly less for laparoscopic surgery. Arterial blood gas determinations indicated a greater perioperative decrease in arterial pH, with carbon dioxide retention in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy (P < 0.02), reflecting poorer respiratory performance. Hormonal profile changes demonstrated an increase in urinary vanillylmandelic acid in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P < 0.04); no differences were detected in urinary cortisol, metanephrine or nitrogen excretion. Acute-phase responses were greatest in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy as determined by ESR and CRP level (P < 0.02 and P < 0.003, respectively). Pain and analgesic usage were significantly decreased in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P < 0.0009) and P < 0.0001), which led to a decreased hospital stay after operation in these patients (P < 0.0001). These data indicate improved respiratory and subjective responses and diminished acute-phase responses associated with laparoscopic surgery. Catabolic hormone release may, however, be increased.     

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。     

压力调节容积控制通气模式对合并慢性阻塞性肺疾病腹腔镜结直肠手术患者肺保护效应

目的:探讨压力调节容积控制通气（pressure-regulated volume control, PRVC）模式下肺保护性通气（lung-protective ventilation, LPV）对合并慢性阻塞性肺疾病（chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD）腹腔镜结直...     

Prospective randomized trial of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum for reduction of shoulder-tip pain following laparoscopy

BACKGROUND: Postoperative shoulder-tip pain occurs frequently following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a low-pressure carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery in reducing the incidence of postoperative shoulder-tip pain. METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized prospectively into low-pressure (group A) and normal-pressure (group B) laparoscopic cholecystectomy groups. Patients in group A (n = 46) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 9 mmHg carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum during most of the operation, and those in group B (n = 44) had laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 13 mmHg pneumoperitoneum. Shoulder-tip pain was recorded on a visual analogue pain scale 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation. RESULTS: The low-pressure pneumoperitoneum did not increase the duration of surgery. There were no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications in either group. Fourteen patients (32 per cent) in group B and five (11 per cent) in group A complained of shoulder pain (P<0.05). Mean shoulder-tip pain scores at 12 and 24 h and postoperative analgesia requirements were also significantly lower in the low-pressure laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: A carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum pressure lower than that usually utilized to perform laparoscopic surgery reduces both the frequency and intensity of shoulder-tip pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

"Low-pressure" laparoscopic cholecystectomy in high risk patients (ASA III and IV): our experience

The insufflation pressure used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually 12-15 mm Hg, and a pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide has a significant effect on both cardiovascular and respiratory function. These effects are transient in young, healthy patients, but may be dangerous in ASA III and IV patients with a poor cardiac reserve. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at 6.5-8 mm Hg insufflation pressure in "high-risk" patients. Thirteen patients, 10 ASA III and 3 ASA IV, with cholelithiasis, were included in this study The insufflation pressure was 6.5-8 mm Hg, with a 10 degrees anti-Trendelenburg position. The cardiovascular and blood gas variables studied were: mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and end-tidal CO2 pressure. The authors reported no conversions and no intra- or postoperative complications. During insufflation heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure increased minimally if compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy at 12-15 mm Hg. Pa CO2 increased after insufflation (+5 mm Hg), and the end-tidal CO2 pressure gradient was moderate (3.5 mm Hg) and unchanged during surgery. A low-pressure pneumoperitoneum is feasible for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and minimizes the adverse haemodynamic effects of peritoneal insufflation.     

Thoracic epidural analgesia as an adjunct to general anaesthesia for cardiac surgery. Effects on pulmonary mechanics

BACKGROUND: A lasting impairment of pulmonary function is common after cardiac surgery. Pain from the sternotomy may contribute to the impairment. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) can efficiently relieve pain in the postoperative phase, but may also affect respiratory muscle function if local anaesthetics are used. We examined the effects of TEA on pulmonary function and ventilation at rest, before and after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: Thirty patients scheduled for CABG were randomized to receive either general anaesthesia alone or general anaesthesia with TEA. Before and after the operation the patients were examined by respiratory inductive plethysmography and spirometric tests. RESULTS: Before the operation, TEA caused significant reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1), maximal inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory (PEmax) pressure. The rib cage contribution to tidal volume decreased significantly but the co-ordination of the thoracic and abdominal movements remained essentially unaffected. Minute volume and respiratory frequency did not change significantly. On the first postoperative day a decrease in maximal breathing efforts was found in both groups. No differences between the groups in FVC, FEV1 and PImax were found, but PEmax was significantly greater in the TEA group. Despite the impairment, breathing at rest was largely normal in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: A better pain-relief from TEA after CABG may improve the ability to cough by a greater expiratory muscle strength. FVC, FEV1, PImax and breathing at rest are not affected by TEA after cardiac surgery.     

The effect of thoracic epidural analgesia on respiratory function after cholecystectomy

To assess the effect of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on postoperative respiratory function and pulmonary complications, a prospective randomized trial was conducted in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. One hundred patients were allocated to TEA (n = 30), TEA + general anesthesia (TEA + GA) (n = 30), or general anaesthesia (GA) (n = 40) groups. Respiratory function was analysed by measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), functional residual capacity (FRC), total lung capacity (TLC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the supine and sitting postures, and arterial blood gases. Postoperative pulmonary complications were carefully documented. TEA significantly prevented the postoperative deterioration of respiratory function as compared with general anaesthesia. FVC, FEV1 and PEF decreased by 20% in patients receiving TEA, in contrast to 55% in patients after GA on the day of operation. This improvement continued until the 2nd day after operation, when FVC, FEV1 and PEF and their recovery rates were equal in all groups. In the sitting posture the preoperative FVC, FEV1 and PEF were about 10% greater than in the supine position. After operation, this difference was further increased. The preoperative difference of 27% in FRC between the sitting and supine postures was maintained after operation. PaO2 decreased by 0.8 kPa after TEA, by 1.5 kPa after TEA + GA with the lowest value on the 2nd postoperative day and by 1.5 kPa after GA, with the lowest value immediately after operation. Simultaneous hypercarbia indicated hypoventilation, which may have contributed to impaired respiratory function on the following days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Respiratory Performance after Upper Abdominal Surgery. A Comparison of Pain Relief with Intercostal Blocks and Centrally Acting Analgesics

The respiratory capacity was studied during the first 2 days postoperatively in 94 patients, aged 19 to 75 years and undergoing surgery through an upper abdominal incision. Postoperative pain relief was randomly administered, either by intercostal block (i.c.b.) and centrally acting analgesics on demand, or by centrally acting analgesics alone. Respiratory studies comprising forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and analysis of arterial blood gases were made. Bilateral i.c.b. given after surgery performed through a midline incision did not improve the respiratory function, whereas unilateral i.c.b. after surgery through a subcostal incision had positive effects. Thus postoperative i.c.b. following cholecystectomy performed through a subcostal incision resulted in higher FVC, FEV1 and PEF values than without i.c.b. at least during the time of effective nerve block. I.c.b. after subcostal incision also improved arterial oxygen tension. The patients undergoing cholecystectomy and receiving a second i.c.b. 8 h after the first one had better respiratory function than the patients without any block during the first 2 days postoperatively.     

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.     

支具治疗对女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者肺功能的影响

目的:观察支具治疗对女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)患者肺功能的影响。方法:2001年2月~2009年12月283例女性AIS患者在我院接受矫形手术治疗,术前检测患者用力肺活量(FVC)、第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1),记录预计值、实测值及实测值占预计值百分比。根据术前是否曾接受支具治疗分为2组,支具治疗组80例(A组),未接受支具治疗组203例(B组)。分析2组患者术前肺功能参数的差异,同时对A组患者肺功能FVC及FEV1的实测值占预计值百分比(FVC%、FEV1%)与术时年龄、身高、主弯冠状面Cobb角、主侧凸累及节段数、主胸弯矢状面Cobb角、每日支具治疗时间、支具治疗总时长进行多元线性回归分析。结果:A、B组患者FVC预计值分别为3.23±0.40L和3.20±0.40L,FEV1预计值分别为2.76±0.40L和2.73±0.30L,A组与B组比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05);A、B组FVC实测值分别为2.58±0.60L和2.72±0.60L,FEV1实测值分别为2.34±0.50L和2.49±0.50L,A、B组FVC%分别为(80.3±16.5)%和(85.4±16.5)%、FEV1%分别为(85.6±18.4)%和(91.3±16.9)%,A组FEV1实测值、FVC%及FEV1%较B组均明显降低(P<0.05),其中主弯为胸弯患者(173例)明显(P<0.05),而主弯为胸腰弯/腰弯患者(110例)不明显(P>0.05)。A组患者中,胸段侧凸矢状面Cobb角与FVC%、FEV1%呈正相关(P<0.05),支具治疗总时长与FEV1%呈负相关(P<0.05);而术时年龄、身高、主弯冠状面Cobb角、主侧凸累及节段数、每日支具治疗时间(8~23h,平均18.7h)与FVC%及FEV1%均无显著相关性(P>0.05)。结论:支具治疗可使女性青少年特发性胸段脊柱侧凸患者肺功能FVC%及FEV1%下降,支具治疗总时长和胸段侧凸矢状面Cobb角可能是影响患者肺功能FVC%及FEV1%的相关因素。     

Lung function, breathing pattern, and gas exchange in interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the relation between the severity of abnormalities in ventilatory function tests and tidal breathing pattern and gas exchange indices in interstitial lung disease. METHODS: Pulmonary function, ventilation, carbon dioxide production, oxygen consumption, arterial blood gas tensions, and pH were measured during resting steady state conditions in 60 patients with proved interstitial lung disease. Patients were categorised by forced vital capacity (FVC) (percentage of predicted values) as having a mild, moderate, or severe restrictive defect with means (SD) of 71% (4%), 57% (4%), and 41% (7%) of predicted values, respectively. RESULTS: FVC varied from 29% to 79% of predicted values and from 0.99 l to 4.32 l. The two measurements of FVC correlated strongly with most static lung volumes and with transfer factor for carbon monoxide. Mean respiratory rates (per minute) and tidal volumes (ml) were 17 (4) and 484 (131), 20 (4) and 460 (139), and 23 (5) and 377 (109) in mild, moderate, and severe restrictive defects, respectively. FVC correlated negatively with respiratory rate and positively with tidal volume. Arterial carbon dioxide tension ranged from 30 to 49 mm Hg; only two patients were hypercapnic. Mean arterial oxygen tensions were not significantly different among the three groups, and there were no significant correlations between forced expiratory volume in one second or FVC and arterial carbon dioxide tension or carbon dioxide production. CONCLUSION: Low values of FVC were associated with increased respiratory rate and decreased tidal volume; this pattern of breathing mimics external elastic loading, suggesting that mechanoreceptors may contribute to the rapid and shallow pattern of breathing in interstitial lung disease. Hypercapnia seems to be rare in interstitial lung disease even when functional impairment is severe and tidal volume is small. The increased respiratory rate is important in maintaining adequate ventilation. In the face of a severe restrictive defect carbon dioxide production did not increase, which also contributed to the maintenance of eucapnia.     

Gasless laparoscopy could avoid alterations in hepatic function

Background: In a previous clinical study, we showed that the duration and level of pneumoperitoneum are responsible for changes in hepatic function during laparoscopic procedures. These findings encouraged us to evaluate hepatic function during laparoscopy with and without carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum in a clinical setting. Methods: We performed 63 laparoscopic cholecystectomies and 30 non-hepatobiliary laparoscopic procedures in 93 consecutive patients with normal preoperative liver function tests. The anesthesiologic protocol was uniform, using drugs at low hepatic metabolism. We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomies in 43 patients with a pneumoperitoneum; in the remaining 20, we used a gasless technique. We randomized the 43 laparoscopic cholecystectomies into 23 performed with pneumoperitoneum at 14 mmHg and 20 performed at 10 mmHg. All non-hepatobiliary laparoscopic procedures were performed with a pneumoperitoneum of 14 mmHg. The postoperative serologic levels of AST, ALT, and bilirubin, and the prothrombin time were measured at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h. The alterations in the serologic hepatic tests were then related to the type of procedure, its duration, and the level of pneumoperitoneum. Results: The study group was comprised of 93 patients, 39 male and 54 female, with a mean age of 50.5 years (range, 15-74). There were no deaths. There was no morbidity in the pneumoperitoneum group, but there was one case of accidental omental injury during the placement of the abdominal, wall retractor in the gasless group. All patients had postoperative changes in serologic hepatic tests. Slow return to normality occurred 48 or 72 h after the operation. The increase in AST and ALT was statistically significant and correlated to the level and duration of pneumoperitoneum. The serologic change in the gasless group were significantly lower than in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group with pneumoperitoneum at 14 mmHg. There was no statistically significant difference between the gasless group and the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group with pneumoperitoneum at 10 mmHg. There was a statistically the significant increase in the non-hepatobiliary laparoscopy group over the gasless group, despite the absence of hepatobiliary injuries in the first group. No symptoms were related to these serologic hepatic changes. Conclusions: The gasless technique causes smaller alterations in serological hepatic parameters than pneumoperitoneum at 14 mmHg. By contrast, the gasless technique and low-pressure pneumoperitoneum have the same effect on hepatic function. Therefore, the use of a subcutaneous abdominal wall retractor combined with a low-pressure pneumoperitoneum is recommended for patients with severe hepatic failure. Transaminases apd: 3 April 2001     

Randomized clinical trial of the effect of pneumoperitoneum on cardiac function and haemodynamics during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) with carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum may cause major cardiovascular changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and positional changes on haemodynamics and cardiac function in patients assigned randomly to CLC or gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy (GLC). METHODS: Fifty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II were randomly allocated to CLC (28 patients) or GLC (22). Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, fractional shortening and cardiac output were determined by transoesophageal echocardiography. Measurements were performed before (phase 1) and 10 and 30 min (phases 2 and 3 respectively) after pneumoperitoneum or abdominal wall traction, and after desufflation or release of abdominal wall traction (phase 4) in supine, Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions. RESULTS: Mean diastolic diameter, systolic diameter, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly higher, and fractional shortening was significantly lower, with carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum than with the gasless procedure during phases 2 and 3. There were no significant differences in cardiac output between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was associated with increased preload and afterload in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystecomy. It also decreased heart performance (fractional shortening), but did not affect cardiac output.