Haemodynamic effects of pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective comparative study using bioimpedance cardiography

Low-Pressure Pneumoperitoneum During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Safety and Feasibility Analysis

PURPOSE

Laparoscopy is advised under the lowest possible intra-peritoneal pressure. The aim of this study is to analyze the safety/feasibility of low pneumoperitoneum pressure (LPP) during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All primary LSGs who completed a 3-month follow-up were included. Re-do operations and LSGs performed with concomitant procedures were excluded. All LSGs were performed by the senior author. Upon trocar insertions, pressure was set to 10 mmHg, and the procedure was started. The pressure was increased step-wise, according to the senior author's assessment of the quality of exposure. Doing so, three pressure groups were formed: groups 1 (10 mmHg), 2 (11-13 mmHg), and 3 (14 mmHg). All data was retrieved from our database. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA/Tukey's HSD test/Chi-square test. P values < 0.05 were regarded as significant.

RESULTS

Between February 2018 and October 2022, 708 consecutive/primary LSGs were studied. No mortality/conversion/thromboembolic event was observed. Groups 1, 2, and 3 comprised 376 (53.1%), 243 (34.3%), and 89 (12.6%) patients, respectively. Demographics, initial weight, duration of surgery, history for abdominoplasty, drain output, length of stay, and %total weight loss were evenly distributed among groups. Among 16 bleeding episodes, 14 occurred in the LPP group (p = 0.019). Including the only leak and stenosis, 8/9 of Clavien-Dindo 3b + 4 complications were observed in the LPP group (p = 0.092).

CONCLUSIONS

LSG with LPP is feasible in about half of the patients. However, almost all potentially life-threatening complications occurred in the LPP group where a significantly higher rate of bleeding was observed. Our findings suggest caution for routinely using LPP during LSG.

Gasless Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy with New Abdominal-Wall Retraction System

Background and Objectives

Gasless laparoscopy is an alternative method to reduce the number of carbon dioxide (CO₂)-insufflated, pneumoperitoneum-related problems including shoulder pain, postoperative nausea/vomiting, and decreased cardiopulmonary function. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of gasless total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with a newly developed abdominal-wall retraction system.

Methods

Abdominal-wall retraction for gasless laparoscopy was performed using the newly developed J-shape retractor and the Thompson surgical retractor. Surgical outcomes between gasless TLH and conventional CO₂-based TLH were compared for each of 40 patients for the period from January 2017 to October 2019.

Results

Between gasless TLH and conventional CO₂-based TLH, no significant differences were observed for age, body mass index, parity, or surgical indications. The mean retraction setup time from skin incision was 7.4 min (range: 4-12 min) with gasless TLH. The mean total operation times were 87.9 min (range: 65-170) with gasless TLH and 90 min (range: 45-180) with conventional TLH, which showed no significant difference. Estimated blood loss and uterus weight also showed no significant intergroup difference. No major complications related to the ureter, bladder, or bowel were encountered.

Conclusion

Our new abdominal-wall retraction system for gasless TLH allowed for easy setup and a proper operation field in the performance of laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Hypovolemia after traditional preoperative care in patients undergoing colonic surgery is underrepresented in conventional hemodynamic monitoring

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hypovolemia after bowel preparation as well as capnoperitoneum (CP) may compromise hemodynamic function during laparoscopic colonic surgery. A fall in arterial pressure after induction of anesthesia is often answered by generous fluid administration, which might impair "fast-track" rehabilitation. Intraoperative assessment of the needed infusion volume is difficult because of a lack of data regarding the volume status in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nineteen patients scheduled for laparoscopic colonic surgery after bowel preparation were prospectively monitored using the PULSION COLD Z-021 system and central venous catheter. Intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), central venous pressure (CVP), and heart rate (HR) were measured after induction of anesthesia (M1), during CP in head-down position with an intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of 20 mmHg (M2) and 12 mmHg (M3).

RESULTS

Although MAP (87 mmHg), HR (64 min(-1)), and CVP (8 mmHg) were within normal ranges at the induction of surgery, ITBVI (834 ml m(-2)), and CI (2.66 l m(-2)) were decreased, indicating a relative hypovolemia. CP with 12 mmHg increased ITBVI (p<0.05) and CI (p<0.01), while an IAP of 20 mmHg reduced CI (p<0.05) compared to 12 mmHg (M3). Mean infusion during the measurements was 1,355 ml.

CONCLUSION

Combination of CP with 12 mmHg, head-down position, and infusion of 1,500 ml fluids compensated relative hypovolemia during colonic surgery. With conventional monitoring, intravascular volume status might be underestimated after traditional preoperative care.

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.

Mini-Laparotorny Cholecystectomy in the Era of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Community-Based Hospital Perspective

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is clearly the gold standard for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Open cholecystectomy is now reserved for difficult and problematic cases. The purpose of this paper is to propose that mini-laparotomy cholecystectomy (minicholecystectomy) can be as effective as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This paper compares the two techniques in well-matched patients. In addition mastery of this technique is practical and rewarding and should be part of the repertoire of the general surgeon. We conducted a retrospective review of the experience of a single surgeon at a community-based teaching hospital over a 2-year period for minicholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sixty-six patients were matched for age, sex, body surface area, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. The absolute cost was lower for the minicholecystectomy group than for the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. The operating room times were not significantly different in the two groups ( P value 0.79). The average length of stay and the average amount of intramuscular analgesia required for the two groups were also not significantly different ( P values 0.69 and 0.35, respectively). Although subjective postoperative satisfaction was equal for both groups the minicholecystectomy group had no complications whereas the laparoscopic group had two (myocardial infarction and cystic duct stump leak) complications. We conclude that minicholecystectomy can be used as a viable alternative to laparoscopic cholecystectomy especially in patients who cannot tolerate laparoscopic procedures and in areas where cost containment is critical.

Anaesthesia, minimally invasive surgery and pregnancy

Minimally invasive surgery is being performed more frequently in pregnant patients. Numerous published reports have documented the safety and advantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with a variety of changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, which make the parturient undergoing laparoscopic surgery particularly susceptible to hypoxia, hypercarbia and hypotension. This chapter provides a review of those physiological changes of pregnancy of particular concern for anaesthesiologists, and of the physiological responses to intra-abdominal carbon dioxide insufflation, not only in healthy patients, but also in the altered physiological state associated with pregnancy. We also describe our approach to anaesthetic management for minimally invasive surgery during pregnancy. With appropriate precautions, including vigilant monitoring and anticipation and treatment of the potential adverse effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, anaesthesiologists may provide safe care for these patients, and pregnant women can benefit from the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Hemodynamics during laparoscopic surgery in pregnancy

IMPLICATIONS

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy in four pregnant women, we observed hemodynamic changes similar to those in nonpregnant patients (i.e., decreases in cardiac index together with increases in mean arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance).

Physiologic changes during laparoscopy

The short-term benefits of minimal access techniques include less pain, early mobilization, and shorter hospital stay. Nonetheless, significant data have accumulated regarding the complications associated with laparoscopic techniques, including those that are unique to laparoscopic surgery such as bile duct injury and disruption of major blood vessels. Other problems such as myocardial ischemia and respiratory acidosis are associated with the cardiopulmonary effects of pneumoperitoneum and systemic CO2 absorption. These physiologic changes, although tolerated by healthy patients, could have particular adverse consequences for infirm and critically ill patients. It would appear that minimizing IAP during insufflation decreases the risk of potentially marked cardiovascular changes and regional blood flow alterations. In turn, this could arguably decrease the risk of perioperative myocardial events, or organ dysfunction or failure. Laparoscopy in the critically ill patient is questionable because the role is not established. An ICU patient has little to gain from the benefits of early mobilization. Conversely, in the presence of raised ICP or borderline organ function, the physiologic changes associated with pneumoperitoneum and laparoscopy could have profound detrimental effects.

Advanced age--indication or contraindication for laparoscopic colorectal surgery?

PURPOSE

It has been proposed that laparoscopic colorectal surgery offers several benefits to patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate particularly whether older patients can benefit by laparoscopic colorectal procedures or if minimally invasive procedures are contraindicated.

METHODS

All patients who underwent elective surgery were divided into age-related groups: patients 50 years of age or younger, patients ranging from 51 to 70 years of age, and patients older than 70 years. The groups by age were compared with each other relative to their cardiopulmonary status, indication, procedure, conversion, morbidity, mortality, duration of surgery, perioperative blood transfusion, stay on the intensive care unit, and hospitalization. Statistical analysis included univariate analysis by chi-squared tests and Student's t-tests comparing patients older than 70 years with patients 50 years of age or younger and with patients ranging from 51 to 70 years of age (statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Within five years 298 patients (male/female ratio, 0.38) underwent a laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colorectal procedure. Of these, 95 (31.9 percent) patients were older than 70 years, 138 (46.3 percent) patients ranged from 51 to 70 years of age, and 65 (21.8 percent) patients were 50 years of age or younger. Pathologic findings in cardiopulmonary function increased with age. There were no statistically significant differences among the younger, middle-aged, and older patients relative to the incidence of conversion (3.1 vs. 9.4 vs. 7.4 percent, respectively), major complications (4.6 vs. 10.1 vs. 9.5 percent, respectively), minor complications (12.3 vs. 15.2 vs. 12.6 percent, respectively) or total laparotomy rate (7.7 vs. 12.3 vs. 12.6 percent, respectively). P > 0.05 for all comparisons. However, duration of surgery, stay on the intensive care unit, and postoperative hospitalization were significantly prolonged in patients older than 70 years (P < 0.05 for all comparisons) but were reduced during the five years of experience with these procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

If preoperative assessment of comorbid conditions and perioperative care was ensured, laparoscopic procedures were shown to be safe options in the elderly. The outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients older than 70 years is similar to that noted in younger patients. Advanced age is no contraindication for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

The effects of retroperitoneal carbon dioxide insufflation on hemodynamics and arterial carbon dioxide

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic techniques are being increasingly used for retroperitoneal surgery. However, hemodynamic and ventilatory efforts of retroperitoneal carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation have not been studied. We hypothesized that differences in absorptive surface, anatomy, and compartment compliance could result in different hemodynamic and ventilatory effects between retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal insufflation.

METHODS

Pigs (n = 7) were anesthetized and stabilized. The peritoneal cavity was incrementally insufflated with CO2 to a maximum pressure of 25 cm H2O and the gas released. Hemodynamics and arterial blood gas values were recorded initially, at each level of insufflation, and following the pneumoperitoneum release until baseline values were reached. This insufflation protocol was repeated in the retroperitoneum.

RESULTS

Mean arterial pressure (111 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval 99 to 156) and cardiac output (3.7 L/min, 2.8 to 5.2) did not change with increasing insufflation pressure of either intraperitoneum or retroperitoneum. PaCO2 was directly related to insufflation pressure in both spaces, increasing from 41.2 mm Hg (37.3 to 43.4) at baseline to 57.7 mm Hg (47.6 to 82.1) at insufflation pressure of 25 cm H2O. After release of the insufflation gas, time to return to baseline PaCO2 was slightly less from the retroperitoneal space (73 minutes, 45 to 105) than the intraperitoneal (107 minutes, 35 to 175).

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of CO2 insufflation on hemodynamics and PaCO2 are the same in the retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal spaces.

Does pneumoperitoneum cause bacterial translocation?

Although extensive research has been carried out on the respiratory and renal effects of intra-abdominal pressure increase, there is limited research with regard to its effects on bacterial translocation. The objective of this study was to discuss whether the high intra-abdominal pressure due to carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during laparoscopy leads to bacterial translocation. Eighteen male dogs, 7 of which constituted the control group, were used in the study. Two study groups, in which the intra-abdominal pressure was raised to 15 mm Hg and kept at that level for 30 and 120 minutes, respectively, were set. Blood gases and blood pressure values were observed throughout the experiments. Samples of peritoneal smear, portal vein blood, mesenteric lymph node, liver, spleen, and cecum were examined to detect bacterial translocation. Histopathological examinations of all samples were also carried out. No translocation was detected in the samples of peritoneal smear, portal blood, mesenteric lymph node, liver, or spleen, but in the samples of cecum, bacterial colonization for the second group (p<0.05) and for the third group (p<0.05) was significantly higher compared with the control group. There was a considerable difference between the second and third groups (p<0.05). The changes in the mesenteric lymph nodes were interpreted to be a result of bacterial drainage. Histopathological examination disclosed active changes in the mesenteric lymph nodes in all groups, but there was considerable sinus histiocytosis only in the third group. We conclude that the intraabdominal pressure of 15 mm Hg created by carbon dioxide insufflation does not lead to bacterial translocation but causes intraluminal bacterial colonization in the cecum after 30 minutes and after 2 hours.

Myocardial bridging prevents safe laparoscopy? A case report

A 49-year-old male presented with atypical chest pain. Complete cardiac evaluation was normal except for cardiac catheterization, which revealed a myocardial bridge across the LAD (left anterior descending coronary artery) that caused a 50% systolic stenosis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed cholelithiasis. The patient became asymptomatic and was discharged only to return with biliary pancreatitis, which resolved over 2 weeks and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted. Upon establishment of a pneumoperitoneum, he began to suffer cardiac ischemia, which immediately resolved upon desufflation. The procedure was converted to an uneventful open cholecystectomy. He did well without any further problems. This is the first report of myocardial bridging, a well-known cardiac anomaly, possibly preventing safe laparoscopy. This was possibly due to transmitted intraperitoneal pressure effect on the pericardium pushing closed that myocardial bridge.