Hemodynamics during laparoscopy in the supine or prone position

During laparoscopy elevations in arterial pressure and a decrease in cardiac output have been reported. Laparoscopic surgery performed in the prone position may be advantageous for some surgical procedures, but the hemodynamic effects of pneumoperitoneum in this position have not been studied. We studied the effects of different levels of increased intraabdominal pressure on hemodynamics and oxygen transport in eight pigs in the prone and the supine position. Increases in intraabdominal pressure did not result in decreased cardiac output or in a reduction of oxygen transport and consumption in either position. These results suggest that laparoscopy in the prone position does not result in more severe hemodynamic depression than laparoscopy in the supine position.