Escape of surgical smoke particles, comparing conventional and valveless trocar systems.

BACKGROUND: During minimal access surgery, surgical smoke is produced which can potentially be inhaled by the surgical team, leading to several health risks. This smoke can escape from the abdominal cavity into the operating room due to trocar leakage. The trocars and insufflator that are used during surgery influence gas leakage. Therefore, this study compares particle escape from a valveless (Conmed AirSeal iFS), and a conventional (Karl Storz Endoflator) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using an in vitro model, a conventional and a valveless trocar system were compared. A protocol that simulated various surgical phases was defined to assess the surgical conditions and particle leakage. Insufflation pressures and instrument diameters were varied as these are known to affect gas leakage. RESULTS: The conventional trocar leaked during two distinct phases. Removal of the obturator caused a sudden release of particles. During instrument insertion, an average of 211 (IQR 111) particles per second escaped when using the 5 mm diameter instrument. With the 10 mm instrument, 50 (IQR 13) particles per second were measured. With the conventional trocar, a higher abdominal pressure increased particle leakage. The valveless trocar demonstrated a continuously high particle release during all phases. After the obturator was removed, particle escape increased sharply. Particle escape decreased to 1276 (IQR 580) particles per second for the 5 mm instrument insertion, and 1084 (IQR 630) particles per second for 10 mm instrument insertion. With the valveless trocar system, a higher insufflation pressure lowered particle escape. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a valveless trocar system releases more particles into the operating room environment than a conventional trocar. During instrument insertion, the leakage through the valveless system is 6 to 20 times higher than the conventional system. With a valveless trocar, leakage decreases with increasing pressure. With both trocar types leakage depends on instrument diameter.

Clinical trial protocol for P-NeLoP: a randomized controlled trial comparing the feasibility and outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with low insufflation pressure using AirSeal versus standard insufflation pressure (UroCCR no. 85 study).

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is the standard of care for small, localized kidney tumors. This surgery is conducted within a short hospital stay and can even be performed as outpatient surgery in selected patients. In order to allow early rehabilitation of patients, an optimal control of postoperative pain is necessary. High-pressure pneumoperitoneum during surgery seems to be the source of significant pain during the first hours postoperatively. Our study is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled study which aims to compare post-operative pain at 24 h between patients undergoing RAPN at low insufflation pressure (7 mmHg) and those operated on at standard pressure (12 mmHg) using the AirSeal system.This trial is registered in the US National Library of Medicine Trial Registry (NCT number: NCT05404685).

Impact of pneumoperitoneum pressure during laparoscopic hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive hysterectomy is a commonly performed gynecologic procedure with associated postoperative pain managed with opioid medications. Uncontrolled postoperative pain leads to increased opioid use/abuse, longer hospital stays, increase in healthcare visits, and may negatively affect patient satisfaction. Current data suggests that reduced pneumoperitoneum insufflation pressure during laparoscopic surgery may impact postoperative pain. Given the current opioid epidemic, surgeons are proactively finding ways to reduce postoperative pain. It is unclear how reduced pneumoperitoneum pressure impacts the surgeon. We investigated the impact of reduced pneumoperitoneum insufflation pressure on surgeon satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: This was a pilot, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial from March 2020 to July 2021 comparing pneumoperitoneum pressure of 15 mmHg to reduced pressures of 12 mmHg and 10 mmHg during laparoscopic hysterectomy. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were randomized (13 - 15 mmHg, 13 - 12 mmHg, and 14 - 10 mmHg). The primary outcome was surgeon satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, operative time, blood loss, postoperative pain, opioid usage, and discharge timing. There were no differences in baseline demographics or perioperative characteristics. Surgeon satisfaction was negatively impacted with lower pneumoperitoneum pressures greatest with 10 mmHg, including overall satisfaction (p =.01), overall effect of the pneumoperitoneum (p =.04), and quality of visualization (p =.01). There was an apparent although not statistically significant difference in operative time (p =.06) and blood loss (p =.054). There was no difference in patient satisfaction, postoperative pain scores, opioid usage, or time to discharge. CONCLUSION(S): Reduced pneumoperitoneum insufflation pressure during laparoscopic hysterectomy negatively impacted surgeon satisfaction with a trend towards longer operative times and greater blood loss, and did not positively impact patient satisfaction, postoperative pain, opioid demand, or discharge timing.

Effects of different intraabdominal pressures on internal jugular vein, liver and kidney functions in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed with either 10 mmHg or 13 mmHg intraabdominal pressures. Effects of these pressures on the internal jugular vein (IJV) diameter and flow along with the liver and kidney function tests were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups with respect to the intraabdominal pressure performed during LSG (either 10 or 13 mmHg). The patients' age, comorbidities, surgical history, height, weight, body mass index, family history, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, serum liver and kidney function tests (Urea, creatinine, Aspartate transaminase, Alanine transaminase, Gamma-glutamyltransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) and the right IJV diameter and flow measured by Duplex ultrasound before intubation (t1), 10 min after insufflation (t2), and at the end of insufflation (t3) were recorded. RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative kidney and liver function values of the patients in both groups were within the reference range. In both groups, there was a significant decrease in the IJV diameter and flow measurement values at t2 compared to t1, and a significant increase was observed at t3 compared to t2 (p < 0.05). The mean IJV diameter and flow were significantly higher in the 10 mmHg pressure group compared to the 13 mmHg group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Neither of the peak pressures performed intraabdominal during LSG caused an adverse effect on liver or kidney functions. Our study emphasizes that low insufflation pressure does not have an advantage in terms of liver and kidney functions. But laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with low intra-abdominal pressure may be beneficial especially in patients who require central vein catheterization during the operation. We consider that LSG performed with CO2 pneumoperitoneum at 10 mmHg is a safe, effective and feasible method that can facilitate the insertion of the intraoperative central venous catheter due to lesser charges in the IJV diameter and flow compared to the standard technique.

Gas Pressure From the Endoscope: An Unexplored Contributor to Morbidity and Mortality?

Background It has been shown that the incidence of venous air embolism and venous carbon dioxide (CO2) embolism is high during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We examined insufflating gas flow and maximum pressure produced by three types of commonly used endoscopes because we could not readily locate technical data for endoscope gas flow and maximum emitted pressure in the manufacturer's manuals. Methods We tested the Olympus GIF-Q180 used for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the CF-Q180 used for colonoscopy, and the TJF-Q180 used for ERCP (Olympus America Inc., Center Valley, Pennsylvania). Under three different clinical gas insufflation scenarios, we measured in vitro maximum gas pressure transduced from a closed space created at the endoscope tip in a worst-case scenario analysis. Results We showed that it is readily possible to generate a pressure (>5-30 times normal central venous pressure) in the air space at the tip of all three endoscopes when insufflation is activated and the gas egress is limited. Conclusions These findings shed additional light on in vivo occurrences of gas embolism during gastrointestinal endoscopy. We postulate that in addition to using exclusively CO2 as the insufflating gas, the risk of gas embolism can be further diminished by regulating insufflating gas pressure at the tip of endoscopes.

A novel method for monitoring abdominal compliance to optimize insufflation pressure during laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal compliance describes the ease of expansion of the abdominal cavity. Several studies highlighted the importance of monitoring abdominal compliance (Cab) during the creation of laparoscopic workspace to individualize the insufflation pressure. The lack of validated clinical monitoring tools for abdominal compliance prevents accurate tailoring of insufflation pressure. Oscillometry, also known as the forced oscillation technique (FOT), is currently used to measure respiratory mechanics and has the potential to be adapted for monitoring abdominal compliance. This study aimed to define, develop and evaluate a novel approach which can monitor abdominal compliance during laparoscopy using endoscopic oscillometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endoscopic oscillometry was evaluated in a porcine model for laparoscopy. A custom-built insufflator was developed for applying an oscillatory pressure signal superimposed onto a mean intra-abdominal pressure. This insufflator was used to measure the abdominal compliance at insufflation pressures ranging from 5 to 20 hPa (3.75 to 15 mmHg). The measurements were compared to the static abdominal compliance, which was measured simultaneously with computed tomography imaging. RESULTS: Endoscopic oscillometry recordings and CT images were obtained in 10 subjects, resulting in 76 measurement pairs for analysis. The measured dynamic Cab ranged between 0.0216 and 0.261 L/hPa while the static Cab based on the CT imaging ranged between 0.0318 and 0.364 L/hPa. The correlation showed a polynomial relation and the adjusted R-squared was 97.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic oscillometry can be used to monitor changes in abdominal compliance during laparoscopic surgery, which was demonstrated in this study with a comparison with CT imaging in a porcine laparoscopy model. Use of this technology to personalize the insufflation pressure could reduce the risk of applying excessive pressure and limit the drawbacks of insufflation.

From bedside to bench - In vivo and in vitro evaluation of mechanically assisted cough treatment in a patient with bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

When the ability to cough is impaired, secretion clearance may be assisted and augmented by Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MI-E) treatment. In patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, the efficacy of MI-E may be hampered by counterproductive upper airway responses. Careful adjustment of MI-E settings can be beneficial. During the disease progression, a 41-year-old woman with bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis experienced that treatment with MI-E was exhausting and inefficient. Despite adjustments of settings, all treatment led to retching. A change of MI-E device led to more effective treatment. A bench test revealed variations in flow and pressure waveforms in the two devices. When MI-E treatment fails, differences in equipment delivery need to be considered in addition to the adjustment of MI-E settings.

Clinical outcomes of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in minimally invasive urological surgery.

The adoption of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques has revolutionised urological practice. This necessitates a pneumoperitoneum (PNP) and the impact the PNP pressure has on post-operative outcomes is uncertain. During the current COVID-19 era guidance has suggested the utilisation of lower PNP pressures to mitigate the risk of intra-operative viral transmission. Review the current literature regarding the impact of pneumoperitoneum pressure, within the field of urology, on post-operative outcomes. A search of the PubMed, Medline and EMBASE databases was undertaken to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines were adhered to. Ten studies, that included both randomised controlled trials and retrospective case series reviews, were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The effect of PNP pressure on outcomes following prostatectomy, live donor nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy and a variety of benign upper tract procedures were discussed. Low pressure PNP appears safe when compared to high pressure PNP, potentially reducing post-operative pain and rates of ileus. When compared to general surgery, there is a lack of quality evidence investigating the impact of PNP pressures on outcomes within urology. Low pressure PNP appears non-inferior to high pressure PNP. More research is required to validate this finding, particularly post-cystectomy and nephrectomy.

Severe portal and systemic acidosis during CO2-laparoscopy compared to helium or gasless laparoscopy and laparotomy in a rodent model: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This experimental study assesses the influence of different gases and insufflation pressures on the portal, central-venous and peripheral-arterial pH during experimental laparoscopy. METHODS: Firstly, 36 male WAG/Rij rats were randomized into six groups (n = 6) spontaneously breathing during anaesthesia: laparoscopy using carbon dioxide or helium at 6 and 12 mmHg, gasless laparoscopy and laparotomy. 45 and 90 min after setup, blood was sampled from the portal vein, vena cava and the common femoral artery with immediate blood gas analysis. Secondly, 12 animals were mechanically ventilated at physiological arterial pH during 90 min of laparotomy (n = 6) or carbon dioxide laparoscopy at 12 mmHg (n = 6) with respective blood gas analyses. RESULTS: Over time, in spontaneously breathing rats, carbon dioxide laparoscopy caused significant insufflation pressure-dependent portal acidosis (pH at 6 mmHg, 6.99 [6.95-7.04] at 45 min and 6.95 [6.94-6.96] at 90 min, pH at 12 mmHg, 6.89 [6.82-6.90] at 45 min and 6.84 [6.81-6.87] at 90 min; p < 0.05) compared to laparotomy (portal pH 7.29 [7.23-7.30] at 45 min and 7.29 [7.20-7.30] at 90 min; p > 0.05). Central-venous and peripheral-arterial acidosis was significant but less severely reduced during carbon dioxide laparoscopy. Laparotomy, helium laparoscopy and gasless laparoscopy showed no comparable acidosis in all vessels. Portal and central-venous acidosis during carbon dioxide laparoscopy at 12 mmHg was not reversible by mechanical hyperventilation maintaining a physiological arterial pH (pH portal 6.85 [6.84-6.90] (p = 0.004), central-venous 6.93 [6.90-6.99] (p = 0.004), peripheral-arterial 7.29 [7.29-7.31] (p = 0.220) at 90 min; Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide laparoscopy led to insufflation pressure-dependent severe portal and less severe central-venous acidosis not reversible by mechanical hyperventilation.

Back to Basics: Minimally Invasive Surgery.

In the past 20 to 30 years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become commonplace in almost all surgical specialties. The needs of the perioperative team and patients are different during MIS than during traditional open surgery. The equipment and instrumentation required to perform MIS are extensive and continue to evolve as new techniques are developed. As advances in MIS occur and more procedures are completed using this method, some surgeons are conducting research studies related to the efficacy of certain longstanding MIS protocols. Perioperative nurses are challenged to stay current on the available technology and results of research studies so that they can provide safe patient care. This Back to Basics article will provide basic strategies for perioperative nurses to ensure successful MIS outcomes for patients.

Feasibility of robot-assisted prostatectomy performed at ultra-low pneumoperitoneum pressure of 6 mmHg and comparison of clinical outcomes vs standard pressure of 15 mmHg.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of performing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) at an ultra-low pressure of 6 mmHg and to assess the potential impact on its clinical outcomes, as compared to those of a historical cohort of patients in which RALP was performed at a pressure of 15 mmHg. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 600 consecutive RALP procedures, performed by a single surgeon, including 300 procedures performed at 6 mmHg and the previous 300 performed at 15 mmHg. We compared preoperative patient characteristics and outcomes including pain scores, morphine equivalents, length of stay (LOS) and complications. After implementing the adjustment to 6 mmHg, we began allowing same-day discharge in patients meeting established criteria. RESULTS: All 300 consecutive RALP procedures were completed at 6 mmHg with no pressure adjustments for the entirety of the case. There were no significant differences in patient or pathological features between groups. Body mass index was 19.5-44.3 kg/m2 in the 6 mmHg group. The mean operating time was 10.5-min longer and mean estimated blood loss 20-mL higher at 6 mmHg, with no blood transfusions in either group. The mean LOS was shorter in the 6-mmHg group (0.57 vs 1.00 days; P < 0.001), with 43.3% of patients in the 6-mmHg group discharged home the day of surgery. There were no differences in morphine equivalents or maximum pain scores in the first 4 h after surgery, but there was a small improvement (18%) in pain scores at 5-12 h postoperatively (3.2 vs 3.9; P < 0.001). The 30-day complication rate was 8.7% vs 4.0%, with 30-day hospital readmissions of 5.7% vs 1.0% for the 15 vs 6 mmHg groups. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy at a pneumoperitoneum pressure of 6 mmHg was uniformly feasible without increasing complications. Ultra-low pneumoperitoneum may confer a pain benefit, which may contribute to safe same-day discharge.

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Improves Laparoscopic Surgical Conditions: A Randomized, Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sustained deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) during laparoscopic surgery may facilitate optimal surgical conditions. This exploratory study assessed whether deep NMB improves surgical conditions and, in doing so, allows use of lower insufflation pressures during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We further assessed whether use of low insufflation pressure improves patient pain scores after surgery. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, blinded study (NCT01728584) compared use of deep (1-2 post-tetanic-counts) or moderate (train-of-four ratio 10%) NMB, and lower (8 mmHg) or higher (12 mmHg; 'standard') insufflation pressure in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Primary endpoint was surgeon's overall satisfaction with surgical conditions, rated at end of surgery using an 11-point numerical scale. Post-operative pain scores were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Of 127 randomized patients, 120 had evaluable data for the primary endpoint. Surgeon's score of overall satisfaction with surgical conditions was significantly higher with deep versus moderate NMB indicated by a least-square mean difference of 1.1 points (95% confidence interval 0.1-2.0; P = 0.026). Furthermore, strong evidence of an effect was observed for standard versus low pressure: least-square mean difference of 3.0 points (95% confidence interval 2.1-4.0; P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in average pain scores within 24 h post-surgery for low versus standard pressure [0.17 (95% confidence interval -0.67 to +0.33); P = 0.494]. CONCLUSIONS: Although associated with significantly improved surgical conditions, deep NMB alone was insufficient to promote use of low insufflation pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Furthermore, low insufflation pressure did not result in reduced pain, compared with standard pressure. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01728584. FUNDING: Merck Sharp and Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.

Endotracheal Tube Seal and Suction Performance in a Novel Biorealistic Tracheal Model.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs create a seal to protect against secretion entry to the lungs. Cuff inflation currently is recommended at 20-30 cm H2O pressure. ETT designs have variable seal performance in bench studies using rigid tracheal models lacking the dynamic characteristics of the human trachea. We compared ETT designs within a new, biorealistic tracheal model to assess cuff and suction performance in the setting of a compliant trachea. METHODS: Three ETT designs (Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo, KimVent Microcuff, and Sheridan/HVT) were tested for performance by simulant leakage below the cuff and air leakage (measured as return tidal volume ≥ 80% delivered) over a range of cuff (5-25 cm H2O) and end-expiratory pressure (PEEP 0-15 cm H2O). Subglottic suction channel performance was tested in 2 ETTs (TaperGuard Evac [Covidien] and ISIS HVT [Teleflex]) as time to evacuate the simulant. RESULTS: All ETT cuffs provided effective seals at an inflation pressure of 12 cm H2O when PEEP was ≤ 5 cm H2O. The Microcuff ETT sealed at the lowest pressure of 6 cm H2O, whereas the Sheridan/HVT cuff sealed at 12 cm H2O (P = .01). With a PEEP of 15 cm H2O, a reciprocal increase in air leak occurred, requiring a cuff inflation up to 22 cm H2O to maintain a return tidal volume at ≥ 80% delivered. Suction channel performance improved in the lateral position compared with supine for both ETT designs during continuous 15 mm Hg suction pressure (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Within a novel model with normal trachea compliance, we found all ETT designs tested to seal at lower than current recommended cuff pressures.

La presión del CO2 intraoperatorio y su relación con la omalgia; estudio prospectivo aleatorio / Intraoperative CO2 pressure and its relationship with omalgia (randomized prospective trial)

Introduccón: La colecistectomía laparoscópica es considerada desde principios de los años noventa como el tratamiento de referencia de la litiasis vesicular. Uno de sus beneficios demostrados en comparación con el abordaje convencional es la mejoría significativa del bienestar postoperatorio. Creemos que la presión de insuflado abdominal puede influir en la incidencia de dolor postoperatorio, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la influencia de la presión del neumoperitoneo en la aparición de omalgia. Material y Metodos: Se realizó estudio prospectivo, con asignación aleatoria, a dos grupos: A n= 60 pacientes insuflados a una presión 12 mmHg y un grupo B n=40 pacientes insuflados a una presión de 10 mmHg; entre julio de 2010 a julio de 2011. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes adultos con indicación de colecistectomía. Criterios de exclusión; menores de 18 años, embarazadas, pacientes con enfermedades crónicas que requieren de administración de analgésicos (artritis reumatoidea, enfermedades oncológicas, etc), tratamiento quirúrgico previo, quienes se rechacen participar del estudio. Se utilizó el mismo insuflador con flujo constante (máx. 20 l/m.), y el mismo equipo laparoscópico. El neumoperitoneo se realizo con aguja de Veress en todos los casos. Colocación de trocares con técnica americana. La omalgia fue evaluada a las 12 hs de finalizada la cirugía. Resultados: Se incluyeron 120 pacientes, sometidos a colecistectomías laparoscópicas programadas. Ningún paciente requirió de conversiones. Con una edad media de 51 años, con un rango entre 16 y 82 años, La incidencia de omalgia fue del 40% para el grupo con presiones de insuflado de 10 vs 60% para el grupo con presiones de insuflado de 12 mmHg, P =0,006. La incidencia de omalgia no fue diferente según sexo, 20% de las mujeres vs el 25 % de los hombres (p=0,657), ni para edad, comorbilidad, hábito físico y/o cirujano... (AU)

Introduction: Since early 1990s, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered as the standard of care for gallstones. One of its demonstrated benefits in comparison with the conventional approach is the significant improvement of post-surgery well-being. We believe that abdominal insufflation pressure may affect the incidence of postoperative pain, and thus, the objective of this trial was to investigate the influence of pneumoperitoneum pressure in the incidence of shoulder pain. Material and Methods: A prospective trial was performed between July 2010 and July 2011, with random allocation into two groups: A n=60 patients with insufflation pressure of 12 mmHg, and B n=40 patients with insufflation pressure of 10 mmHg. Inclusion criteria: adult patients with indication for cholecystectomy. Exclusion criteria: patients under the age of 18 years old, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases which require pain relievers (rheumatoid arthritis, oncologic diseases, etc.), previous surgery and patients who refuse to participate in the trial. The same insufflator was used with constant flow (20 l/m max) and the same laparoscopic device. Veress needle was used for pneumoperitoneum in all cases. Trocars were positioned using the American technique. Omalgia was assessed 12hs. after surgery. Results: The trial included 120 patients, who had undergone scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomies. None of the patients required conversion to conventional surgery. With a mean age of 51 years old, ranging from 16 and 82 years of age, the incidence of omalgia was 40% for the group with 10 of insufflation pressure vs. 60% for the group with 12 mmHg of insufflation pressure, P=0.006. The incidence of shoulder pain was not different according to sex û20% women vs. 25% men (p=0.657)û nor for age, co-morbidity, fitness and/or surgeon...(AU)

La presión del CO2 intraoperatorio y su relación con la omalgia; estudio prospectivo aleatorio / Intraoperative CO2 pressure and its relationship with omalgia (randomized prospective trial)

Introduccón: La colecistectomía laparoscópica es considerada desde principios de los años noventa como el tratamiento de referencia de la litiasis vesicular. Uno de sus beneficios demostrados en comparación con el abordaje convencional es la mejoría significativa del bienestar postoperatorio. Creemos que la presión de insuflado abdominal puede influir en la incidencia de dolor postoperatorio, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la influencia de la presión del neumoperitoneo en la aparición de omalgia. Material y Metodos: Se realizó estudio prospectivo, con asignación aleatoria, a dos grupos: A n= 60 pacientes insuflados a una presión 12 mmHg y un grupo B n=40 pacientes insuflados a una presión de 10 mmHg; entre julio de 2010 a julio de 2011. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes adultos con indicación de colecistectomía. Criterios de exclusión; menores de 18 años, embarazadas, pacientes con enfermedades crónicas que requieren de administración de analgésicos (artritis reumatoidea, enfermedades oncológicas, etc), tratamiento quirúrgico previo, quienes se rechacen participar del estudio. Se utilizó el mismo insuflador con flujo constante (máx. 20 l/m.), y el mismo equipo laparoscópico. El neumoperitoneo se realizo con aguja de Veress en todos los casos. Colocación de trocares con técnica americana. La omalgia fue evaluada a las 12 hs de finalizada la cirugía. Resultados: Se incluyeron 120 pacientes, sometidos a colecistectomías laparoscópicas programadas. Ningún paciente requirió de conversiones. Con una edad media de 51 años, con un rango entre 16 y 82 años, La incidencia de omalgia fue del 40% para el grupo con presiones de insuflado de 10 vs 60% para el grupo con presiones de insuflado de 12 mmHg, P =0,006. La incidencia de omalgia no fue diferente según sexo, 20% de las mujeres vs el 25 % de los hombres (p=0,657), ni para edad, comorbilidad, hábito físico y/o cirujano...

Introduction: Since early 1990s, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered as the standard of care for gallstones. One of its demonstrated benefits in comparison with the conventional approach is the significant improvement of post-surgery well-being. We believe that abdominal insufflation pressure may affect the incidence of postoperative pain, and thus, the objective of this trial was to investigate the influence of pneumoperitoneum pressure in the incidence of shoulder pain. Material and Methods: A prospective trial was performed between July 2010 and July 2011, with random allocation into two groups: A n=60 patients with insufflation pressure of 12 mmHg, and B n=40 patients with insufflation pressure of 10 mmHg. Inclusion criteria: adult patients with indication for cholecystectomy. Exclusion criteria: patients under the age of 18 years old, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases which require pain relievers (rheumatoid arthritis, oncologic diseases, etc.), previous surgery and patients who refuse to participate in the trial. The same insufflator was used with constant flow (20 l/m max) and the same laparoscopic device. Veress needle was used for pneumoperitoneum in all cases. Trocars were positioned using the American technique. Omalgia was assessed 12hs. after surgery. Results: The trial included 120 patients, who had undergone scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomies. None of the patients required conversion to conventional surgery. With a mean age of 51 years old, ranging from 16 and 82 years of age, the incidence of omalgia was 40% for the group with 10 of insufflation pressure vs. 60% for the group with 12 mmHg of insufflation pressure, P=0.006. The incidence of shoulder pain was not different according to sex –20% women vs. 25% men (p=0.657)– nor for age, co-morbidity, fitness and/or surgeon...

Massive Carbon Dioxide Embolism during the Minimally Invasive Robot-assisted Cardiac Surgery: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 37-year-old female was scheduled for minimally invasive mitral valve replacement and Maze operation using the robotically controlled camera (AESOP 3000, Computermotion(R), USA). Thoracic incision and carbon dioxide insufflation was started. The end tidal carbon dioxide suddenly decreased with hypotension and an increase in central venous pressure to 70 mmHg. Then, cardiopulmonary bypass was started and large amount of gas was aspirated. Carbon dioxide embolism was suspected, carbon dioxide insufflation was discontinued. The aspiration of carbon dioxide embolus from cannulae for cardiopulmonary bypass confirmed our diagnosis. The gas flowed out from the peritoneal cavity following diaphragmatic incision, we suspected that the insufflating needle was placed into peritoneal cavity. The operation was completed uneventfully. No neurologic and cardiopulmonary sequelae were noted. We experienced a case of carbon dioxide embolism incidentally induced by carbon dioxide insufflation into closed intraperitoneal cavity.