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PubMed1999

The effect of pneumoperitoneum on bacterial clearance and RES functions in a model of E. coli peritonitis.

The use of laparoscopic surgery in peritonitis has increased rapidly. The present study examined the effects of pneumoperitoneum on bacterial clearance. Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into six groups of seven animals. In groups 1 and 4, laparotomy with a midline incision was performed and 10(9) E. coli in a volume of 1 ml inserted into the peritoneal cavity. Groups 2, 3, 5, 6 received an identical quantity of E. coli by intraperitoneal injection. Groups 3 and 6 received carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum at a constant pressure of 5 mmHg for 60 minutes after intraperitoneal injection of E. coli. In one hour groups; the mean bacterial counts per lung from the E. coli injection with laparotomy group was significantly higher than for the E. coli injection with pneumoperitoneum group (p < 0.05). The mean bacterial counts per kidney in the E. coli injection with laparotomy group was higher compared with the E. coli injection and E. coli injection with pneumoperitoneum groups (p < 0.0001). There was statistically significant difference in quantitative bacteraemia between the E. coli injection with laparotomy group and the E. coli injection or E. coli injection with pneumoperitoneum groups (p < 0.05). In four-hour groups; the mean bacterial counts of lungs and liver-spleen were significantly higher in the E. coli injection with laparotomy group than in the E. coli injection and E. coli injection with pneumoperitoneum groups (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). The quantitative bacteria was significantly higher in the E. coli injection with laparotomy group than in the E. coli injection and E. coli injection with pneumoperitoneum groups (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that pneumoperitoneum impairs the clearance of bacteria from the peritoneal cavity in an experimental model of peritonitis. However, we could not detect the deleterious effects of pneumoperitoneum compared with laparotomy.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Effectors of hypercarbia during experimental pneumoperitoneum.

Hypercarbia occurs during laparoscopy with carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation. This may be due to increased ventilatory dead space after expansion of the peritoneal cavity with impairment of diaphragmatic excursion, or to increased absorption of CO2 from the peritoneum. To separate these effects, the authors examined the consequences of different insufflating gases and of diminished tissue perfusion on hypercarbia and dead space during pneumoperitoneum. Helium was chosen as an alternate insufflating gas because it is both inert and minimally absorbed. Eight swine (18 to 20 kg) were anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated at constant minute volume. Pneumoperitoneum with helium was maintained at 15 mm Hg for 45 minutes. After desufflation and stabilization for 1 hour, pneumoperitoneum was repeated with CO2. The sequence was again repeated after hemorrhagic shock to constant mean arterial pressure of 50 mm Hg. Data was analyzed by analysis of variance; significance levels are P < 0.01 unless otherwise listed. Arterial PCO2 increased significantly with CO2 insufflation within 15 minutes in normotensive animals and within 30 minutes during hypotension. Arterial pH decrease with CO2 pneumoperitoneum was significant in both groups at 30 minutes. Mixed venous PCO2 also increased with CO2 pneumoperitoneum within 30 minutes. Hypotension did not alter these changes. No significant changes were seen with helium pneumoperitoneum. Neither helium nor CO2 pneumoperitoneum significantly altered dead space. The authors make the following conclusions: 1) Absorption of CO2 from the abdomen during CO2 pneumoperitoneum produces respiratory acidosis, which is not seen with helium insufflation; 2) Pneumoperitoneum does not significantly increase dead space with either gas; 3) Transperitoneal absorption of CO2 is only partly related to perfusion because significant hypercarbia occurs during hemorrhagic shock.

Absorption↗

PubMed1996

[CT scanning in suspected ileus or pneumoperitoneum].

In this prospective survey of six months duration, 66 consecutive patients referred for plain abdominal views on suspicion of bowel obstruction or pneumoperitoneum had supplementary abdominal CT-scans performed. Thirty-one patients underwent surgery. Seventeen suffered from bowel obstruction, one patient had both bowel obstruction and pneumoperitoneum and three had pneumoperitoneum. CT-scans correctly demonstrated all cases of bowel obstruction or pneumoperitoneum. The plain abdominal views resulted in one false negative diagnosis of bowel obstruction and one false negative diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum. Ten of the operated patients had neither bowel obstruction nor pneumoperitoneum. In nine of these cases this was in accordance with the interpretation of both CT and plain abdominal views. Both modalities resulted in one false positive diagnosis of bowel obstruction. In most cases we find no difference between the two modalities in demonstrating or excluding bowel obstruction or pneumoperitoneum. We therefore conclude that the plain abdominal X-ray should be the primary examination on suspicion of bowel obstruction or pneumoperitoneum. We recommend CT-scanning in cases with clinical suspicion of bowel obstruction or pneumoperitoneum and no obvious pathology on the plain abdominal X-ray.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Use of abdominal percussion for pneumoperitoneum detection.

Pneumoperitoneum refers to free air within the abdominal cavity that typically signifies serious abdominal pathology such as a perforated gut. The principal hypothesis of the study was that abdominal structure alterations due to pneumoperitoneum cause diagnostic changes in the sounds induced by abdominal percussion. The current pilot study investigated these changes in a mongrel dog model. Abdominal percussion was performed at baseline and after creation of pneumoperitoneum states. The resulting acoustic events were acquired, digitised and analysed. The event attack and decay rates and dominant frequencies during decay decreased with pneumoperitoneum (p = 0.084, 0.014 and 0.004, respectively; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Simple theoretical models were constructed and predicted the observed decrease in resonant frequencies with increasing air pocket size. The results suggested that the normal and the 1,000 ml pneumoperitoneum states can be separated using thresholds of the attack and decay rates and resonant frequency (specificity = 80%, 100% and 100%, and sensitivity = 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively). Separating the control and the 500 ml pneumoperitoneum cases may be also possible (specificity = 80%, 100%, 100% and sensitivity = 50%, 70% and 90%, respectively), but separating the two levels of pneumoperitoneum was not feasible using the current approach. Therefore analysis of abdominal percussion sounds may prove useful for pneumoperitoneum detection, but not for distinguishing different levels of that condition.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2002

Effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on hemodynamics in cirrhotic rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 80) were used in this study. Liver cirrhosis was induced by thioacetamide administration intraperitoneally (200 mg/kg body weight, twice a week for 16 weeks). The radioactive microsphere method was used to measure systemic and regional hemodynamic parameters before, 1 h after the start, and 1 h after the release of pneumoperitoneum. RESULTS: Splanchnic blood flow and cardiac index were significantly depressed during pneumoperitoneum in liver cirrhosis and control groups, but no significant differences were seen between the two groups. In both groups, portal venous inflow decreased and hepatic arterial blood flow increased significantly during pneumoperitoneum. However, during pneumoperitoneum, total hepatic blood flow as a percentage of its value before pneumoperitoneum was lower in cirrhotic rats (71.0%) than in control rats (91.9%) (p <0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). CONCLUSIONS: Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum markedly decreases total hepatic blood flow in cirrhotic rats due to the impaired hepatic arterial buffer response. Liver function should be carefully controlled in cirrhotic patients after laparoscopic surgery with pneumoperitoneum.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Enhancement of port site metastasis by hyaluronic acid under CO2 pneumoperitoneum in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism underlying the development and progression of port site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for cancer is still not understood. Hyaluronic acid secreted from mesothelial cells is thought to be a key factor that causes adhesion between cancer cells and mesothelial cells. Using a murine model of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum, we evaluated the effect of exogenous hyaluronic acid on port site metastasis. METHODS: BALB/c mice were injected with 5 A- 106 human gastric carcinoma (MKN45) cells and divided into four groups treated with or without hyaluronic acid and with or without pneumoperitoneum. Three weeks later, the frequency and weight of port site metastases were determined. The effects of hyaluronic acid on tumorigenicity and tumor growth were examined in mice subcutaneously injected with MKN45 cells. RESULTS: Port site metastasis occurred significantly less frequently in the pneumoperitoneum-only group than in the pneumoperitoneum-with-hyaluronic-acid group (75% vs 100%, p < 0.05). The port site metastatic tumor weighed significantly less in the control group (anesthesia only) than in the hyaluronic acid group (89 +/- 17 vs 288 +/- 35 mg, p < 0.05); it also weighed less in the pneumoperitoneum-only group than in the pneumoperitoneum-with-hyaluronic-acid group(87 +/- 24 vs 298 +/- 51 mg, p < 0.05). The frequency and weight of tumors in the subcutaneous tissue were not significantly different between groups with or without hyaluronic acid injection (95% vs 90%, 331 +/- 128 vs 322 +/- 115 mg). CONCLUSIONS: Under CO2 pneumoperitoneum, exogenous hyaluronic acid increased the frequency and weight of port site metastasis in a murine model. Hyaluronic acid secreted from mesothelial cells may be associated with the formation of port site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for cancer under pneumoperitoneum.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1997

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using abdominal wall retraction. Hemodynamics and gas exchange, a comparison with conventional pneumoperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: Disadvantages related to CO2 pneumoperitoneum have led to development of the abdominal wall retractor (AWR), a device designed to facilitate laparoscopic surgery without conventional pneumoperitoneum (15 mmHg CO2). We investigated the effects of the AWR on hemodynamics and gas exchange in humans. We also investigated whether the use of an AWR imposed extra technical difficulties for the surgeon. A pilot study revealed that cholecystectomy without low-pressure pneumoperitoneum was technically impossible. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial: Twenty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into group 1: AWR with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (5 mmHg), or group 2: conventional pneumoperitoneum (15 mmHg). RESULTS: Surgery using the AWR lasted longer, 72 +/- 16 min (mean +/- SD) vs 50 +/- 18 min compared with standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were no differences between the groups with respect to hemodynamic parameters, although a small reduction of the cardiac output was observed using conventional pneumoperitoneum (from 3.9 +/- 0.7 to 3. 2 +/- 1.1 l/min) and an increase during AWR (from 4.2 +/- 0.9 to 5.2 +/- 1.5 l/min). Peak inspiratory pressures were significantly higher during conventional pneumoperitoneum compared to AWR. A slight decrease in pH accompanied by an increase in CO2 developed during pneumoperitoneum and during the use of the AWR. In both groups arterial PO2 decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the view was impaired during use of the AWR and therefore its use was difficult and time-consuming. Possible advantages of this devices' effects on hemodynamics and ventilatory parameters could not be confirmed in this study.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed1999

Effects of laparotomy vs pneumoperitoneum on the hepatic catabolic stress response in ambulatory and stationary settings in pigs.

BACKGROUND: We recently demonstrated that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is followed by a much smaller hepatic catabolic stress response than conventional cholecystectomy. It is not known what is responsible for this difference. METHODS: Thirty pigs were randomly allocated to the following five treatment groups: (1) laparotomy, (2) pneumoperitoneum, (3) pneumoperitoneum with insertion of four trocars, (4) laparotomy, (5) pneumoperitoneum. Groups 1-3 were operated on in an ambulatory setting, whereas groups 4 and 5 were operated on in a stationary setting. Urea synthesis, as quantified by functional hepatic nitrogen clearance, and the response of stress hormones and cytokines were assessed. RESULTS: Laparotomy increased the functional hepatic nitrogen clearance by 195% (p < 0.001); pneumoperitoneum and trocars increased it by 145% (p < 0.001); and pneumoperitoneum alone increased it by 113% (p < 0. 001). The difference between laparotomy and both pneumoperitoneum groups was significant. If the stress factor of ambulatory surgery was eliminated, the increase in functional hepatic nitrogen clearance was reduced to 87% (p < 0.01) after laparotomy and 38% (NS) for animals subject to pneumoperitoneum. There were significant differences in concentrations of stress hormones, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 8 among groups intra- and postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of the postoperative hepatic stress response after laparotomy compared to pneumoperitoneum with and without insertion of trocars seems to be caused by the greater trauma to the abdominal wall. Furthermore, an ambulatory setting seems to be an important postoperative stress factor in itself.

Ambulatory Care↗

PubMed1992

Hypercarbia during carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum.

Patients with cardiopulmonary insufficiency undergoing laparoscopic surgery with carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum may retain CO2 resulting in clinically significant respiratory acidosis. A canine model of pulmonary emphysema induced by papain inhalation was utilized to evaluate the respiratory effects of both CO2 and helium pneumoperitoneum. Prior to papain inhalation and 5 and 8 weeks after initial treatment under general anesthesia, mechanical ventilation was adjusted to maintain the end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) at 40 mm Hg during baseline and pneumoperitoneum physiologic monitoring periods. Utilizing an analysis of variance, hemodynamic and respiratory physiologic parameters were compared. In this canine model, all dogs demonstrated consistent hypercarbia during CO2 pneumoperitoneum prior to papain treatments, but CO2 retention was significantly increased in the emphysematous state. The occurrence of hypercarbia during CO2 pneumoperitoneum may be underestimated by ETCO2 monitoring as was revealed by an increased PaCO2 (arterial carbon dioxide pressure)-ETCO2 gradient with an increasing time interval between papain exposure and period of physiologic monitoring. Irrespective of the pulmonary condition of the dog, helium pneumoperitoneum did not produce any hypercarbic or acidic changes when compared with the concomitant baseline period of dogs prior to the induction of pneumoperitoneum, thus suggesting that helium pneumoperitoneum may be a reasonable alternative in patients at risk for CO2 retention.

Acidosis, Respiratory↗

PubMed2004

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in basal adhesion formation and in carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesion formation after laparoscopic surgery in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) in adhesion formation after laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Academic research center. ANIMAL(S): Forty female Swiss mice. INTERVENTION(S): Adhesions were induced by standardized lesions during laparoscopy. The CO2 pneumoperitoneum was maintained for the minimum time needed to perform the lesions (10 minutes) or for a longer period (60 minutes) to evaluate basal adhesions and pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesions, respectively. Mice were treated either with IgG or with antibodies against VEGFR-1. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT(S): Adhesions were quantitatively and qualitatively scored after 7 days during laparotomy. RESULT(S): In IgG-treated mice, 60 minutes of CO2 pneumoperitoneum increased basal adhesions. In VEGFR-1 antibody-treated mice, basal adhesions were similar to the control group and 60 minutes of CO2 pneumoperitoneum did not increase adhesions. Therefore, in these mice, pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesions were lower than in IgG-treated mice. CONCLUSION(S): The data confirm that CO2 pneumoperitoneum is a cofactor in adhesion formation and demonstrate that VEGFR-1 plays a role in pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesions, which is consistent with a role of placental growth factor, VEGF-A, and VEGF-B in pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesions. These observations give new insight into the pathogenesis of adhesion formation.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor in basal adhesion formation and in carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesion formation after laparoscopic surgery in transgenic mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) in adhesion formation after laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Academic research center. ANIMAL(S): Female wild-type mice and transgenic mice (n = 110), expressing exclusively VEGF-A(164) (VEGF-A(164/164)) or deficient for VEGF-B (VEGF-B(-/-)) or for PlGF (PlGF(-/-)). INTERVENTION(S): Adhesions were induced during laparoscopy. To evaluate "basal adhesions" and "CO(2) pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesions," the pneumoperitoneum was maintained for a minimum (10 minutes) or prolonged (60 minutes) period. The role of PlGF was also evaluated by administration of antibodies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Adhesions were blindly scored after 7 days. RESULT(S): In all wild-type mice, CO(2) pneumoperitoneum enhanced adhesion formation. In comparison with wild-type mice, basal adhesions were higher in VEGF-A(164/164) mice and similar in VEGF-B(-/-) and PlGF(-/-) mice. Pneumoperitoneum did not enhance adhesions in any of these transgenic mice. The effects observed in PlGF(-/-) mice were confirmed in PlGF antibody-treated mice. CONCLUSION(S): The data demonstrate that the VEGF family plays a role in adhesion formation and confirm that CO(2) pneumoperitoneum enhances adhesions. VEGF-A(164) has a direct role in basal adhesions. Absence of pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesions in VEGF-A(164/164), VEGF-B(-/-), and PlGF(-/-) mice indicates up-regulation of VEGF-A(164), VEGF-B, and PlGF by CO(2) pneumoperitoneum as a mechanism for pneumoperitoneum-enhanced adhesion formation.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

[Effect of pneumoperitoneum on venous hemodynamics during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Influence of patients' age and time of surgery].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Abdominal hyperpressure developed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by the effect of pneumoperitoneum represents an obstacle to the venous return that may facilitate thromboembolic complications. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of pneumoperitoneum in venous hemodynamics during laparoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective study of 31 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Venous occlusion plethysmography was performed preoperatively, after anaesthetic induction, after insufflation, before pneumoperitoneum release and at the end of surgery. Changes of plethysmography were compared with preoperative values and according to age, obesity, presence of varicose veins and pneumoperitoneum time. Bilateral lower limb venous Duplex scanning was performed at days 1, 7 and 30 to detect deep venous thrombosis (DVT). RESULTS: Average age was 56 years, 66.6% females, 40% obese, 16% with varicose veins and the pneumoperitoneum time was < 45 min in 22.5% patients. Capacitance decreased progressively during surgery and was significantly reduced with pneumoperitoneum. The maximum venous outflow in the first second was reduced significantly at the end of pneumoperitoneum. These reductions were more evident in older patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumoperitoneum produces plethysmographic changes on venous hemodynamics with a diminished venous return in lower limbs. Older patients have higher risk of thromboembolic complications, while obesity can also increase this risk. However, no DVT was demonstrated in this study.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1999

Pneumoperitoneum does not potentiate the nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Pneumoperitoneum is associated with transient renal dysfunction. To our knowledge, the safety of administering nephrotoxins such as aminoglycosides during pneumoperitoneum has not been studied. Our hypothesis was that pneumoperitoneum potentiates the nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides. METHODS: From 29 rats we obtained preprocedure 24-hour urine collections. In the pneumoperitoneum group (n = 7), carbon dioxide was insufflated intra-abdominally at 15 mm Hg pressure for 2 hours. In the gentamicin group (n = 7), 10 mg/kg gentamicin was administered intravenously. In the combined pneumoperitoneum/gentamicin group (n = 8), the same dose of gentamicin was administered 10 minutes before pneumoperitoneum. Sham rats (n = 7) received anesthesia only. Urine was collected for the 24 hours after the procedure, and 1 week later blood for creatinine determination and final 24-hour urine collections were obtained. All urine samples were assayed for creatinine and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG). RESULTS: Only the gentamicin and combined pneumoperitoneum/gentamicin groups presented day 1 values for NAG excretion that were significantly greater than same day sham or paired preprocedure values; the rest of the urinary creatinine and NAG day 1 levels and all the day 7 levels were not significantly different from same day sham or paired preprocedure levels. Day 7 serum creatinine and creatinine clearance did not differ significantly among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that intravenous gentamicin transiently increased urinary excretion of NAG in rats, which resolved within 1 week. Pneumoperitoneum for 2 hours at 15 mm Hg did not increase urinary NAG, either alone or in gentamicin-treated rats. Moreover, our data are sufficient to refute with 95% certainty the possibility that gentamicin plus pneumoperitoneum decreases creatinine clearance more than approximately 60%. These results do not support the hypothesis that pneumoperitoneum potentiates the nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides.

Aminoglycosides↗

PubMed2000

Effect of intravascular volume expansion on renal function during prolonged CO2 pneumoperitoneum.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether intravascular volume expansion would improve renal blood flow and function during prolonged CO2 pneumoperitoneum. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although laparoscopic living donor nephrectomies have a considerably reduced risk of complications for the donors, significant concerns exist regarding procurement of a kidney in the altered physiologic environment of CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Recent studies have documented adverse effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on renal hemodynamics. METHODS: Renal and systemic hemodynamics and renal histology were studied in a porcine CO2 pneumoperitoneum model. After placement of a pulmonary artery catheter, carotid arterial line, Foley catheter, and renal artery ultrasonic flow probe, CO2 pneumoperitoneum (15 mmHg) was maintained for 4 hours. Pigs were randomized into three intravascular fluid protocol groups: euvolemic (3 mLkg/hour isotonic crystalloid), hypervolemic (15 mL/kg/hour isotonic crystalloid), or hypertonic (3 mL/kg/hour isotonic crystalloid plus 1.2 mL/kg/hour 7.5% NaCl). RESULTS: In the euvolemic group, prolonged CO2 pneumoperitoneum caused decreased renal blood flow, oliguria, and impaired creatinine clearance. Both isotonic and hypertonic volume expansions reversed the changes in renal blood flow and urine output, but impaired creatinine clearance persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular volume expansion alleviates the effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on renal hemodynamics in a porcine model. Hypertonic saline (7.5% NaCl) solution may maximize renal blood flow in prolonged pneumoperitoneum, but it does not completely prevent renal dysfunction in this setting. This study suggests that routine intraoperative volume expansion is important during laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The physiologic effects of pneumoperitoneum in the morbidly obese.

OBJECTIVE: To review the physiologic effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum in the morbidly obese. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The number of laparoscopic bariatric operations performed in the United States has increased dramatically over the past several years. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery requires abdominal insufflation with CO2 and an increase in the intraabdominal pressure up to 15 mm Hg. Many studies have demonstrated the adverse consequences of pneumoperitoneum; however, few studies have examined the physiologic effects of pneumoperitoneum in the morbidly obese. METHODS: A MEDLINE search from 1994 to 2003 was performed using the key words morbid obesity, laparoscopy, bariatric surgery, pneumoperitoneum, and gastric bypass. The authors reviewed papers evaluating the physiologic effects of pneumoperitoneum in morbidly obese subjects undergoing laparoscopy. The topics examined included alteration in acid-base balance, hemodynamics, femoral venous flow, and hepatic, renal, and cardiorespiratory function. RESULTS: Physiologically, morbidly obese patients have a higher intraabdominal pressure at 2 to 3 times that of nonobese patients. The adverse consequences of pneumoperitoneum in morbidly obese patients are similar to those observed in nonobese patients. Laparoscopy in the obese can lead to systemic absorption of CO2 and increased requirements for CO2 elimination. The increased intraabdominal pressure enhances venous stasis, reduces intraoperative portal venous blood flow, decreases intraoperative urinary output, lowers respiratory compliance, increases airway pressure, and impairs cardiac function. Intraoperative management to minimize the adverse changes include appropriate ventilatory adjustments to avoid hypercapnia and acidosis, the use of sequential compression devices to minimizes venous stasis, and optimize intravascular volume to minimize the effects of increased intraabdominal pressure on renal and cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery are at risk for intraoperative complications relating to the use of CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Surgeons performing laparoscopic bariatric surgery should understand the physiologic effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum in the morbidly obese and make appropriate intraoperative adjustments to minimize the adverse changes.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats: 39 cases (1983-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most common causes of pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats and determine history, clinical features, and outcome of affected animals. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 31 dogs and 8 cats. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for signalment; history; abnormal physical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic findings; results of cytologic analysis and bacterial culture of abdominal fluid; gross and histologic findings at surgery or necropsy; and outcome. RESULTS: Pneumoperitoneum was classified as spontaneous in 25 animals and traumatic in 14. Causes of traumatic pneumoperitoneum included vehicular impact, gunshot wounds, abdominal dog bite wounds, and iatrogenic pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum was caused by gastrointestinal tract perforation in 23 animals; underlying causes included neoplasia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration, and corticosteroid administration. Two animals developed spontaneous pneumoperitoneum after bladder rupture. Animals with spontaneous pneumoperitoneum were significantly older and had clinical signs of longer duration than those with traumatic pneumoperitoneum. Sixteen animals survived, including 15 of 23 animals that underwent surgery. Animals that survived had significantly higher serum albumin concentrations than did animals that died or were euthanatized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although pneumoperitoneum is most often attributable to perforation of a hollow viscus, other causes do exist. Early exploration is recommended for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2002

["Nonsurgical" pneumoperitoneum].

The authors submit case-histories of patients with an X-ray finding of pneumoperitoneum on a native X-ray of the abdomen. Air in the abdominal cavity was proved in the majority of cases also on laparotomy, however, the source of air was not found. The authors mention four cases from their own department. In the first female patient with a generalized gynaecological tumour pneumoperitoneum was diagnosed repeatedly before surgery. In the second case a female patient was involved with an inoperable pancreatic tumour; obstruction of the biliary pathways was resolved by an endoscopically inserted stent. In that case too the pneumoperitoneum was repeatedly detected before surgery. The third patient with a generalized ovarian tumour, acute abdominal pain and pneumoperitoneum died on the second day after operation. Similarly as patient 2 on necropsy thrombosis of the portal vein was found. In the 4th case the finding of pneumoperitoneum was made after diagnostic technically difficult gastroscopy. This patient was not operated. Patients 1-3 were operated without evidence of perforation of the digestive tract. For illustration cases described in the literature are quoted. The causes of non-surgical pneumoperitoneum are classified according to the anatomical site of development. The author describes the assumed mechanisms of development of non-surgical pneumoperitoneum. In the discussion aspects are mentioned which decide on conservative or surgical treatment of pneumoperitoneum.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Helium pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: ventilatory and blood gas changes.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum may result in hypercarbia and acidosis in patients with cardiorespiratory disease. The aim of the present study was to assess helium as an alternative to carbon dioxide for creating the pneumoperitoneum. Ventilation requirements and carbon dioxide levels were assessed at the beginning and end of laparoscopic cholecystectomy using helium (n = 30) and carbon dioxide (n = 30) pneumoperitoneum. Insufflation with helium did not result in an increase in ventilation requirement although, like carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, it was associated with a mean rise in peak airway pressure (of 7 cmH2O; P < 0.001). There was also a 3.2-kPa increase in the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient with helium (P = 0.006). Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was associated with a significant rise in arterial carbon dioxide levels, despite increasing ventilation. Four patients with helium pneumoperitoneum had surgical emphysema for 5 days. Helium may be a suitable alternative to carbon dioxide for creating pneumoperitoneum in patients with severe cardiorespiratory disease. However, because of its low water solubility helium has a lower safety margin than carbon dioxide in the rare event of gas embolism.

Adult↗