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Thoracoscopic talc insufflation versus talc slurry for symptomatic malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: Talc has been generally accepted to be the most effective sclerosant for chemical pleurodesis, although the optimal route of administration remains unclear. METHODS: We designed a prospective, randomized study to compare video-assisted thoracoscopic talc insufflation with bedside talc slurry in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion. From September 1993 to November 1995, 57 patients were recruited and randomized to either video-assisted thoracoscopic talc insufflation under general anesthesia (n = 28) or talc slurry by the bedside (n = 29). Patients with poor general condition (Karnofsky score less than 30%), poor pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 0.5 L), or trapped lungs were excluded from this study. Five grams of purified talc was used for either video-assisted thoracoscopic talc insufflation or talc slurry. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients with respect to age, sex ratio, chest drainage duration, postprocedural hospital stay, parenteral narcotics requirement, complications, or procedure failure (ie, recurrence). CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic talc insufflation has not been shown to be a superior approach compared with talc slurry in our study. Because the former demands more resources, we advocate that talc slurry should be considered as the procedure of choice in the treatment of symptomatic malignant pleural effusion in patients who do not have trapped lungs.

Aged↗

[Time course of epidural pressure change under intraperitoneal insufflation during laparoscopic surgery].

The effect of intraperitoneal insufflation on epidural pressure (EPP) was studied in 10 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Epidural puncture was performed at T8/9 interspace. After placing an epidural catheter, EPP was recorded continuously using a pressure transducer. Ventilation was controlled to maintain PETCO2 at 30-35 mmHg. Intraperitoneal pressure was maintained at 8-12 mmHg by using CO2 gas insufflator. During EPP measurements, the patients were supine on a horizontal operating table and zero point was referred to the level of the external auditory meatus. ECG and direct BP were also monitored. Before anesthetic induction, the mean EPP was 15.5 +/- 2.0 mmHg. During the mechanical ventilation, EPP recordings showed two types of periodic waves: large and small. The large waves were observed in phase of positive pressure ventilation, and the small waves were synchronous with arterial pulsations. Intraperitoneal insufflation produced an immediate increase in EPP (19.8 +/- 4.2 mmHg after 1 min, 22.8 +/- 5.8 mmHg after 5 min). An immediate decrease in EPP to the baseline level was observed just after the release of intraperitoneal pressure. The results suggest that 1) EPP is positive and fluctuates with ventilation and arterial pulsations, 2) intraperitoneum insufflation produces an increase in EPP that lasts until the procedure is discontinued, and 3) increased intrathoracic and intraperitoneal pressures play a predominant role in producing the elevation of EPP.

Adult↗

Insufflation. Complications and recommendations.

This article focuses on complications in colonoscopy related to colonic insufflation. Causes of colonic insufflation complications are examined and methods that may be used to minimize complications are proposed. Testing of state-of-the-art video colonoscope systems is the basis of this analysis of insufflation complications and the resulting recommendations.

Colonoscopy↗

Respiratory effects of tracheal gas insufflation in spontaneously breathing COPD patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) in spontaneously breathing, intubated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing weaning from the mechanical ventilation. DESIGN: A prospective study in humans. SETTING: Polyvalent intensive care unit (14-bed ICU) in a 700-bed general university hospital. PATIENTS: Twelve patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who required intubation and mechanical ventilation were studied. All patients met standard criteria for weaning from mechanical ventilation. Seven patients (group 1) had been transorally intubated during episodes of acute respiratory failure. Five patients, all men (group 2), had previously undergone tracheostomy and had a transtracheal tube in place. INTERVENTIONS: Intratracheal, humidified, O2-mixture insufflation (TGI) was given via a catheter placed in distal or proximal position. Gas delivered through the intratracheal catheter was blended to match the fractional of inspired gas through the endotracheal tube. Continuous flows of 3 and 6 l/min in randomized order were used in each catheter position. Prior to data collection at each stage, an equilibration period of at least 30 min was observed, and thereafter blood gases were analyzed every 5 min. A new steady state was assumed to have been established when values of both PaCO2 and V CO2 changed by less than 5% between adjacent measurements. The last values of blood gases were taken as representative. The new steady state was confirmed within 35-50 min. Baseline measurements with zero Vcath were made at the beginning and end of the experiment. RESULTS: This study shows that VT, MV, PaCO2, and VD/VT are reduced in a flow-dependent manner when gas is delivered through an oral-tracheal tube (group 1). The distal catheter position was more effective than the proximal one. In contrast, when gas was delivered through tracheostomy (group 2), TGI was ineffective in the proximal position and less effective than in group 1 in distal position. CONCLUSION: Under the experimental conditions, tracheal gas insufflation decreased dead space, increased alveolar ventilation and possibly reduced work of breathing. From the preliminary data reported here, we believe that TGI may help patients experiencing difficulty during weaning.

Acute Disease↗

[Tracheal gas insufflation avoids hypercapnia in patients with severe head trauma and acute lung injury].

PURPOSE: The purpose of the ventilatory management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is to avoid any barotrauma to the lungs by decreasing the tidal volume at the expense of permissive hypercapnia. This hypercapnia is extremely dangerous for severe head trauma patients because it increases intracranial pressure. The solution could be the use of tracheal gas which insufflation (TGI) allows the reduction of arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO(2)) while controlling airway pressures. CLINICAL FEATURES: We report the cases of two patients with ARDS and severe head trauma. The decrease of tidal volume ( by 60 and 25% respectively) in association with tracheal gas insufflation allowed to reduce plateau airway pressure (<35 cm d'H(2)O) and PaCO(2) (in the first case by 23% and in the second case, by 11% for the second hour then by 24%), while intracranial pressure remained constant or was lowered (in the second case by 39% for the second hour). TGI consisted in insufflating fresh gas via a small catheter placed in the trachea (0(2) at 6 L*min(-1) in the first patient and 4 L*min(-1) in the second case). CONCLUSION: TGI appears to be an important component of ventilatory management when ARDS is associated with severe head trauma.

Adult↗

Increased insufflation pressure enhances the development of liver metastasis in a mouse laparoscopy model: possible mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: The effect of different insufflation pressures and durations of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the growth of liver metastasis was investigated in a mouse model. The possible mechanisms involved in the pressure-related enhancement of liver metastasis were also examined. METHODS: Mice inoculated intraportally with colon 26 cells underwent CO2 pneumoperitoneum at different pressures (5,10, or 15 mmHg) for 30 or 60 min, or received no treatment other than tumor cell inoculation (control). The subsequent growth of liver metastases was examined. Mice injected intraportally with 111In-oxine-labeled colon 26 cells underwent pneumoperitoneum at three different pressures or served as controls. The radioactivity of the liver was determined to evaluate tumor accumulation in the liver. Mice received pneumoperitoneum at three different pressures or received trocar placement alone. Changes in plasma interleukin-6 levels were determined. RESULTS: The growth of liver metastases on day 14 was influenced by increased insufflation pressures (p < 0.05) rather than the prolonged duration of pneumoperitoneum without significant interaction. The 15-mmHg pneumoperitoneum group showed a higher (p < 0.05) accumulation of radioactivity in the liver compared with the 5-mmHg pneumoperitoneum group and controls. Pneumoperitoneum groups with 5 and 10 mmHg showed higher (p < 0.05) peak levels of IL-6 compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: An elevated insufflation pressure plays an important role in the enhancement of liver metastases, and this pressure-related adverse effect may be partly relevant to facilitating accumulation of tumor cells in the liver.

Animals↗

Experimental assessment of tumor growth and dissemination of a microscopic peritoneal carcinomatosis after CO2 peritoneal insufflation or laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Based on clinical observations and previous animal studies, laparoscopic surgery for malignant disease is regarded as controversial. We used a rat model to measure and compare the tumor growth, proliferation, and dissemination of a microscopic peritoneal carcinomatosis after CO(2) intraperitoneal insufflation or laparotomy. METHODS: Peritoneal carcinomatosis was induced in three groups of 27 BD IX rats each with intraperitoneal injections of 106 DHD/K12 cells, an aneuploid tumor cell line. At 48 h after tumor cell injection, the animals were randomly divided into three groups to undergo different types of intervention. All animals were anesthetized for 20 min (Halothane). The control group had no surgical intervention (group C), group I had CO(2) insufflation (7 mmHg),and group L had a midline laparotomy (5-cm). Neither bowel manipulation nor any other traumatic action was performed. Two weeks later, the rats were killed and the incidence, type, and dissemination of carcinomatosis were evaluated. We also measured the tumor's weight. Malignant omentum was sampled for flow cytometry analysis (DNA ploidy, S-phase fraction). RESULTS: The incidence of carcinomatosis did not differ among the groups. The mean score of macroscopic characteristics of the carcinomatosis was 2.8 +/- 1.9 in group L, 2.9 +/- 1.9 in group I, and 3 +/- 1.9 in group C (NS). The location of the implants did not differ, except for parietal peritoneum location, which was more frequent in group L (p < 0.01). The tumor weight was 4.96 g +/- 3.2 in group L, 5.55 g +/- 3.2 in group C, and 5.75 g +/- 3.4 in group I (NS). The percentage of aneuploid cells and S-phase fraction did not differ statistically among the groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that CO(2) insufflation does not cause more effects than laparotomy when tumors cells are present before the beginning of the surgery. Further studies are needed to determine the influence of other steps in laparoscopic surgery on tumor growth and dissemination.

Animals↗

Randomized, controlled trial of carbon dioxide insufflation during colonoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Insufflation of air is a cause of discomfort during and after colonoscopy. Although this can be minimized by good technique, the use of carbon dioxide insufflation may provide further benefits. Carbon dioxide is rapidly absorbed and excreted through the lungs. We hypothesized that carbon dioxide would alleviate post-colonoscopy discomfort. METHODS: After they had provided informed consent, patients presenting for colonoscopy were randomized into two groups: those in whom air was used for colonoscopy and those in whom carbon dioxide was used. Pain during and ten minutes after colonoscopy was measured on a ten-point analog scale. Data are mean and 95 percent confidence limits. RESULTS: There were 124 patients in the air group and 123 in the carbon dioxide group. Age, body mass index, indication, diagnosis, and number of procedures were similar for the two groups. There were no differences between the groups in the amounts of sedation or analgesia used, the percentage of examinations that were complete (air, 98.4 percent; carbon dioxide, 95.2 percent), or patient satisfaction (on a scale of 1 to 10: air, 9.4; carbon dioxide, 9.5). Although there were more females in the carbon dioxide group (69 vs. 51), hysterectomy rates were the same. Pain scores (mean +/- 95 percent confidence interval; scale of 1 to 10) immediately after the examination were 4.3 +/- 0.3 for air and 3.6 +/- 0.3 for carbon dioxide (no significant difference). Pain scores 10 minutes later were 2.1 +/- 0.2 for air and 0.9 +/- 0.2 for carbon dioxide (P < 0.05, Student's t-test). CONCLUSION: Because there was significantly less abdominal pain ten minutes after colonoscopy in the group in whom carbon dioxide was used, carbon dioxide should be considered as an insufflating gas for colonoscopy.

Abdominal Pain↗

Administration of an insulin powder to the lungs of cynomolgus monkeys using a Penn Century insufflator.

A powder formulation of live-attenuated measles vaccine is being developed for administration to the lungs. The safety and efficacy of the powder will be assessed by insufflation into cynomolgus monkeys. A Penn Century insufflator has been evaluated for powder dosing to the monkeys using an insulin formulation having similar physicochemical characteristics to the vaccine powder. Insulin pharmacokinetics were compared following dosing by powder insufflation, solution instillation into the trachea and subcutaneous injection. The insulin dosed to the lungs and trachea was more rapidly absorbed than that administered subcutaneously. Insulin bioavailability was greater from the inhaled powder than from the instilled solution. The findings confirm that the Penn Century device is suitable for vaccine powder dosing to the deep lung.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Effect of catheter design on tracheal pressures during tracheal gas insufflation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the distribution of pressures within a model trachea, produced by five different tracheal gas insufflation devices. The aim was to suggest a suitable design of a tracheal gas insufflation device for clinical use. METHODS: Each device was tested using insufflation flow rates of 5 and 10 L min(-1). For each flow rate, the pressure within the tracheal model was measured at 33 fixed points. RESULTS: The Boussignac tracheal tube produced the most even pressure distribution, while a reverse-flow catheter produced pressure changes of the smallest magnitude. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that catheters producing the lowest pressure changes are likely to be safer for clinical use.

Catheterization↗

[Visceral resorption of intra-abdominal insufflated carbon dioxide in swine].

OBJECTIVES: Total intraperitoneal carbon dioxide (CO2) resorption from CO2-pneumoperitoneum increases in relation to intraabdominal pressure (IAP) up to an upper limit of 10 to 15 mmHg. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the visceral fraction of CO2 resorption in comparison to total intraperitoneal CO2 resorption in pigs to address possible reasons for this upper limit. METHODS: 16 pigs were chronically instrumented. Via midline laparotomy, a transit-time ultrasound flow probe was placed around the portal vein for continuous recording of the portal venous blood flow and a catheter was inserted into the portal vein via lienal vein. After complete recovery (7-10 days), animals were anesthetized with propofol and fentanyl and a pulmonary artery, a hepatic venous, an arterial, and an intraabdominal insufflation catheter were inserted. Mechanical ventilation (O2/air; FiO2 = 0.4) was adjusted to maintain endtidal CO2 at 34 to 36 mmHg using an Engstrøm Elvira ventilator. After an equilibration period of 3h, CO2, (n = 8) or air (n = 8) was insufflated. IAP was increased in steps of 4 mmHg and maintained constant at each respective IAP-level for 20 min. Blood gas analyses were assessed from portal venous, hepatic venous, central venous, and arterial probes at each IAP-level. Total intraperitoneal CO2 resorption was calculated from parameters derived from indirect calorimetry, the portal venous fraction from blood gas values and the portal venous blood flow following Fick's principle. Data were analyzed using Friedman's test. RESULTS: Total CO2 resorption increased continuously with rising IAP. Highest values were measured at IAP = 16 mmHg with 84 (74-93) ml/min. A further increase of IAP resulted in a significant decrease of total CO2 resorption. The visceral fraction of intraperitoneal CO2 resorption increased up to 28 (17-36) ml/min at IAP = 12 mmHg. Portal venous blood flow was also elevated or unchanged up to this IAP. At IAP = 20 mmHg or IAP = 24 mmHg portal venous blood flow decreased (79% of baseline) and in consequence portal venous calculated fraction of intraperitoneal carbon dioxide resorption decreased to 14 (8-20) ml/min. 20 min after desufflation, intraabdominal CO2 resorption was completed. With air insufflation, all parameters of CO2 balance were unchanged. DISCUSSION: The IAP dependent increase in CO2 resorption is limited due to an IAP related occlusion of the peritoneal capillaries and the limited expansion of peritoneal diffusion area. In this model, it was possible to show that visceral fraction is about one third of the total intraperitoneal carbon dioxide resorption and that this fraction depends on portal venous blood flow. Thus, a decrease in total CO2 resorption may indicate a reduction in portal venous blood flow.

Abdomen↗

Endoscopic cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation under carbon dioxide bladder insufflation: a novel technique.

PURPOSE: To report on a novel technique of endoscopic intravesical ureteral mobilization and cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation under carbon dioxide insufflation of the bladder (pneumovesicum) for correcting primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in infants and children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten boys and six girls with dilating primary VUR (7 bilateral; 23 refluxing ureters) associated with recurrent urinary-tract infections and multiple pyelonephritic renal scars underwent endoscopic Cohen's cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation with CO(2) pneumovesicum. Their ages ranged from 10 months to 13 years (mean 4.1 years). The endoscopic procedure was preceded by distention of the bladder with saline and insertion of a 5-mm Step port over the bladder dome under cystoscopic guidance. The bladder was then drained and insufflated with CO(2) to 10 to 12 mm Hg pressure with a suction catheter inserted per urethra to occlude the internal urethral meatus. A 5-mm 30 degrees endoscope was used to provide intravesical vision. Two more 3- to 5-mm working ports were inserted on the lateral bladder wall on either side. Endoscopic intravesical mobilization of the ureter, dissection of a submucosal tunnel, and a Cohen's type of crosstrigonal ureteral reimplantation using interrupted 5-0 monofilament sutures was then performed under videoscopic guidance. Bladder drainage by a urethral catheter was maintained for 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Endoscopic cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation under CO(2) pneumovesicum was successfully performed in all except one patient, who had displacement of a port into the extravesical space after completion of the ureteral reimplantation necessitating a small vesicotomy for closure of the mucosal defect. The mean operating time was 136 minutes (range 80-230 minutes), being 112 minutes for unilateral cases and 178 minutes for bilateral cases. Two boys developed mild suprapubic and scrotal emphysema postoperatively that subsided spontaneously. All other patients recovered uneventfully and remained well. Follow-up cystograms showed complete resolution of VUR in all except one unit that had persistent grade I reflux, thus giving a success rate of 96%. CONCLUSIONS: This early experience illustrates that endoscopic intravesical ureteral mobilization and crosstrigonal ureteral reimplantation can be performed safely and effectively with routine laparoscopic surgical techniques and instruments under CO(2) insufflation of the bladder, achieving a high success rate in reflux resolution that is equivalent to that obtained with the open technique but with minimal invasiveness and much faster recovery. The longer-term outcome and potential physiological effects of CO(2) pneumovesicum on the bladder and upper-tract function will need to be evaluated further.

Adolescent↗

Abdominal insufflation does not cause hematogenous spread of colon cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous investigators have suggested that port-site recurrences are possibly a result of abdominal insufflation, forcing viable cancer cells into the circulation to metastasize and thrive in areas of trauma. Using a syngeneic animal cancer model, we tested the hypothesis that pneumoperitoneum increases the incidence of wound metastasis by a blood-borne mechanism. METHODS: Male BD IX rats (N = 150) were injected intraperitoneally with 2 x 10(5) viable syngeneic 1,2-dimethylhydralazine-induced colon cancer cells (DHD-K12). Animals were divided into three groups: A (abdominal insufflation with 3-cm incision on the back into muscle remote from the peritoneum); B (3-cm back incision alone); and C (control group with 3-cm midline abdominal incision). Three weeks after surgery, the animals were euthanized and autopsied. RESULTS: In the two groups with back wounds, the incidence of cancer growth at the incision was zero, as demonstrated grossly and by histologic sample (A: 0/47, B: 0/43). In contrast, the autopsied control group had a 42% incidence of metastasis to the wound (25/59). There seemed to be no difference in the distribution of intra-abdominal disease between those rats that underwent insufflation and those that did not. CONCLUSION: It is unlikely that pneumoperitoneum promotes hematogenous wound implantation of free intraperitoneal cancer cells.

Animals↗

Subcutaneous wire traction technique without CO2 insufflation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

One hundred laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed since April 1991. Eleven patients were treated with a new technique without CO2 insufflation, using a traction device to elevate the right upper quadrant wall. Two Kirschner wires were introduced subcutaneously to permit the abdominal wall to be lifted for satisfactory laparoscopic view, as the gas insufflation technique yields. Preoperative evacuation of the intestines and intraoperative muscle relaxation are necessary for easy and successful cholecystectomy. Three cases were converted to laparotomy because of remarkably distended intestine due to incorrect endotracheal intubations. No complications related to subcutaneous wire traction technique were noted in this series. Subcutaneous wire traction technique provides a simpler, and possibly safer alternative to the gas insufflation technique.

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic↗

Extraperitoneal endoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy performed without carbon dioxide insufflation.

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy is an alternative to the standard open inguinal herniorrhaphy. The procedure is usually done with general or epidural anesthesia and carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation. Previously, if the peritoneum was perforated in a patient on whom epidural anesthesia was used, conversion to general anesthesia was required because of the resulting pneumoperitoneum. Eliminating CO2 insufflation from the procedure would obviate this problem. The following is a description of the first 5 reported cases of extraperitoneal endoscopic herniorrhaphy done without the need for CO2 insufflation.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗

Hemodynamic changes after retroperitoneal CO2 insufflation for posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy.

Intraoperative complications and hemodynamic alterations during posterior capnoretroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in the prone position were investigated in 16 consecutive patients using invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Under general anesthesia with propofol and fentanyl, hemodynamic changes were made before (M1) and during retroperitoneal CO2 insufflation (15 mm Hg) [M2]; 20 mm Hg [M3]. Retroperitoneal insufflation resulted in a significant increase of cardiac output (+72%), stroke volume (+42%), mean arterial pressure (+39 %), and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (+36%). Although retroperitoneal inflation was accompanied by a significant increase of central venous pressure (+37%), an increase of preload may have lead to higher filling pressures. Heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, and pulmonary vascular resistance did not show significant changes. One pneumothorax and two cutaneous emphysemas occurred. We have demonstrated, in a small number of patients, that retroperitoneal CO2 insufflation for posterior capnoretroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in the prone position results in hemodynamic changes without apparent adverse effects.

Adolescent↗

Acetazolamide reduces referred postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery with carbon dioxide insufflation.

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide is the preferred insufflating gas for laparoscopy because of greater safety in the event of intravenous embolism, but it causes abdominal and referred pain. Acidification of the peritoneum by carbonic acid may be the major cause of pain from carbon dioxide insufflation. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that increases the rate of carbonic acid formation from carbon dioxide. Because acetazolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase, the authors hypothesized that the pain caused by carbon dioxide insufflation may be decreased by the administration of acetazolamide. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study of 38 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery during general anesthesia was performed. Acetazolamide (5 mg/kg) or a saline placebo was administered intravenously during surgery. Pain was rated on a visual analog scale (0-10) at four times: when first awake, at discharge from the recovery room, when discharged from the hospital, and on the day after surgery. The site and quality of pain were recorded, as were medications and side effects. RESULTS: Initial referred pain scores were lower after acetazolamide (1.00 +/- 1.98; n = 18) than after placebo (3.40 +/- 3.48; n = 20; P = 0.014), and 78% of patients in the acetazolamide group had no referred pain; however, only 45% patients in the placebo group had no referred pain. Incisional pain scores were not statistically different, and referred pain scores were similar at later times. CONCLUSIONS: Acetazolamide reduces referred but not incisional pain after laparoscopic surgical procedures. The duration of pain reduction is limited to the immediate postsurgical period.

Acetazolamide↗

The colonic air insufflation test indicates a colonic cause of abdominal pain. An aid in the management of irritable bowel syndrome.

We evaluated a standardized colonic air insufflation test in patients investigated for abdominal pain; 195 patients were evaluable. Of 164 patients with functional abdominal pain, 100 of the 128 (78%) with irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed on the basis of two or more Manning criteria (group A) had positive tests, compared with 19 of the 36 (53%) with functional abdominal pain not satisfying the diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (group B). Eight of the 10 patients (80%) with structural colonic disease had positive tests (group C), and 3 of the 21 patients (14%) with structural noncolonic causes of abdominal pain (group D) had positive tests (group A vs. B, A vs. D, and C vs. D, p < 0.01). The air insufflation test had a sensitivity of 78% for the diagnosis of colonic pain and a specificity of 61%. The positive predictive value was 83% and the negative predictive value 54%. Sequential tests by two independent observers on 26 consecutive patients showed no interobserrer variation. The colonic air insufflation test warrants further evaluation as an adjunct to the Manning criteria in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. It can also serve as an investigative tool to define a subset of patients with functional abdominal pain who do not fulfill the current criteria for irritable bowel syndrome yet whose pain actually originates from the colon.

Abdominal Pain↗