Transforming surgical landscapes: obstacles in the integration of robotic surgery in Pakistan -is cost the only limiting factor?

The advantages of Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) over laparoscopic surgery encompass enhanced precision, improved ergonomics, shorter learning curves, versatility in complex procedures, and the potential for remote surgery. These benefits contribute to improved patient outcomes which have led to a paradigm shift in robotic surgery worldwide and it is now being hailed as the future of surgery. Robotic surgery was introduced in Pakistan in 2011, but widespread adoption has been limited. The future of RAS in Pakistan demands a strategic and comprehensive plan due to the substantial investment in installation and maintenance costs. Considering Pakistan's status as a low to middle-income country, a well-designed economic model compatible with the existing health system is imperative. The debate over high investments in robotic surgery amid unmet basic surgical needs underscores the complex dynamics of healthcare challenges in the country. In this review, we discuss the potential benefits of robotics over other surgical techniques, where robotic surgery stands in Pakistan and the possible hurdles and barriers limiting its use along with solutions to overcome this in the future.

Updates and prospect of da Vinci robotic surgical system in radical resection of colorectal cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

Introduction of the da Vinci robotic surgical system has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery. Innovative ro-botic technologies have helped surgeons overcome the technical difficulties of conventional laparoscopic surgery. At present, da Vinci robotic colorectal surgery is a safe and feasible option and has shown comparable short-term outcomes with conventional laparoscop-ic surgery. However, it has no oncological advantage despite its significantly higher cost. Promising technologies have been developed to overcome the drawbacks and obstacles of the current robotic systems. Moreover, further randomized controlled clinical trials are re-quired to assess the long-term results and potential benefits of robotic surgery over laparoscopy. This review aimed to elucidate the current developments in robotic colorectal surgery and to explore emerging surgical robotic technologies currently available or in de-velopment.

Single-site laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure of the internal ring using an epidural and spinal needle: excellent results in 1464 children with inguinal hernia/hydrocele.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) of the internal ring is a well-developed procedure for pediatric inguinal hernia and hydrocele. To reduce the skin incisions and improve the cosmesis, single-site LPEC (SLPEC) has been developed with numerous techniques and instruments. In this study, we described our modifications of SLPEC using an epidural and spinal needle in a large pediatric population. METHODS: From February 2013 to February 2016, 1464 pediatric patients who underwent SLPEC in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. A 5-mm laparoscope was introduced at the subumbilicus. An 18-gauge epidural needle with a silk suture loop was introduced into the corresponding skin of the internal ring. The needle was advanced extraperitoneally on the medial side of the ring. The suture loop was pushed into peritoneal cavity by the spinal needle. The epidural needle was withdrawn to the roof of the internal ring and then kept advancing along the lateral side. Aided by the spinal needle and laparoscope, a long suture loop was sent into the first loop in peritoneal cavity. The long suture loop was pulled out of the abdominal wall by picking up the first loop, and the internal ring was closed by knotting the suture extracorporeally. The contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) was simultaneously repaired if present. RESULTS: In total, 981 patients presented with inguinal hernia and 483 with hydrocele. A CPPV was present in 483 patients with unilateral pathology and thus simultaneously repaired. The hydrodissection technique and grasping forceps were used in 290 and 113 patients, respectively. The median operation time was 11 min (7-18 min) and 18 min (10-30 min) for unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias/hydroceles, respectively. There was no development of intra- or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: SLPEC using an epidural and spinal needle can be performed with excellent results in pediatric inguinal hernias and hydroceles.

The Effects of Propofol Anesthesia or Prophylactic Droperidol on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing a Gynecologic Laparoscopy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication of a gynecologic laparoscopy. This study was designed to assess the effect of prophylactic droperidol 1 mg or propofol as the induction and maintenance anesthetic agent for prophylaxis of PONV in women undergoing a gynecologic laparoscopy. METHODS: Eighty ASA physical status 1, 2 patients undergoing an elective gynecologic laparoscopy were randomly allocated into four groups. Group 1 (n = 20) recieved an intravenous placebo of noraml saline 1 ml prior to induction of anesthesia and N2O-enflurane general anesthesia. Group 2 (n = 20) recieved an intravenous placebo of noraml saline 1 ml prior to induction of anesthesia and N2O-propofol general anesthesia. Group 3 (n = 20) recieved intravenous prophylactic droperidol 1 mg prior to induction of anesthesia and N2O-enflurane general anesthesia. Group 4 (n = 20) recieved intravenous prophylactic droperidol 1 mg prior to induction of anesthesia and N2O-propofol general anesthesia. RESULTS: The incidence and severity of PONV and sedation scores were assessed at 0, 30 min, 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. The incidence of PONV was 75% in group 1, 10% in group 2, 30% in group 3 and 20% in group 4. The incidence of PONV during the first 6 hours postoperatively was 70% in group 1, 0% in group 2, 10% in group 3 and 5% in group 4 and there were no statistical differences among the four groups in the 6 to 24 hour postoperative period. Sedation scores were significantly higher in group 3 and 4 than in 1 and 2 in the 3 to 6 hour postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol anesthesia, prophylactic droperidol 1 mg and a combination to prevent PONV were highly effective during the first 6 hours postoperatively.

Noninvasive Cardiovascular and Respiratory System Monitoring in Laparoscopic Cholesystectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The deleterious cardiopulmonary side effects immediately after positioning in reverse Trendelenburg and CO2 intra-abdominal insufflation during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy are well tolerated in healthy patients but can lead to serious morbidity and mortality in patients with a limited cardiopulmonary reserve. Using a continuous and non-invasive cardiac output monitor based on partial CO2 rebreathing method, we investigated the immediate cardiopulmonary changes caused by positioning in reverse Trendelenburg and CO2 intra-abdominal insufflation during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and assessed the applicability of the partial CO2 rebreathing method for the measurement of cardiac output in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: The investigation was carried out on 11 patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholesystectomy. The control values of cardiac index (CI), cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), dynamic compliance (Cdyn), airway resistance (Raw), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and end tidal CO2 partial pressure (PETCO2) were measured in the supine position after induction with target-controlled infusion of propofol (5 microgram/ ml). Five minutes after positioning in reverse Trendelenburg and CO2 insufflation, the same cardiopulmonay variables were measured and compared with the control values. RESULTS: CI, CO and CVP were reduced 33.3%, 31.9% and 29.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). MAP and SVR were increased 39.8% and 154.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). Cdyn was reduced 38.0% (P < 0.05). Raw and PIP were increased 22.8%, and 34.8%, respectively (P < 0.05), whereas HR and PETCO2 remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The non-invasive cardiopulmonary monitor using partial CO2 rebreathing method, could be used with ease and safety in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The application of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with preservation of anal sphincter for rectal cancer / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision(TME) with preservation of anal sphincter for rectal cancer.Methods From October 2001 to March 2004,54(patients) with rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision(TME) with preservation of anal sphincter.In 51 of the 54 cases,the operation was completed laparoscopically,including 14 cases of(laparoscopic) anterior resection(AR) with the anastomosis level above the peritoneal reflection;20 cases of laparoscopic low anterior resection(LAR) with the anastomosis level more than 2cm above the dentate line;16 cases of laparoscopic ultralow anterior resection(ULAR) with the level of anastomosis within 2cm of the dentate line;and 2 cases of laparoscopic coloanal anastomosis(CAA) with the level of the anastomosis at or below the dentate line.whereas conversion to an open approach was required in three cases.Results The average operating time was 145 minutes(range 110~210min),and mean operative blood loss was 50 mL(range 30~80mL).Bowel function was restored and diet was resumed at 48 to 36 hours after operation.The average hospital stay was 9 days(range 7~14d).TME was completed successfully in 51 patients.Postoperative analgesics were used in 20 patients.No intraoperative or postoperative complications were(observed).Follow-up time was from 6~36 months in 51 patiebts,and there was no port-site or local tumor recurrence.Conclusions Laparoscopic TME is feasible and safe.It is a perspective technique with the(benefits) of minimally invasive technique and lower blood loss during operation,and rapid recovery.

Comparison of the complications of treatment of rectal cancer by laparoscopic versus conventional laparotomy procedure / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To compare the postoperative complications rate of total mesorectal excision(TME) performed by laparoscopic and conventional laparotomy method in treatment of rectal cancer.Methods The clinical data of patients with rectal cancer treated by laparoscopic surgery(n=42) or traditional laparotomy(n=50) were retrospectively analysed to analysis of the cause and occurrence rate of complications.(Results) The laparoscopic group had an advantage over the conventional laparotomy group in bowel movement recovery,earlier mobility and short hospital stay time.There was no difference in intraoperative injury,(anastomotic) leakage,sexual function preservation,long-term urinary dysfunction,and local recurrence or(incision) metastasis rates.Conclusions Laparoscopic TME treatment of rectal cancer had the same therapeutic effect as the conventional laparotomy procedure did,and has a better subjective outcome.

A study on the influence of laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer on micrometasis of tumor cells / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To investigate the influence of laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer on (postoperative) micrometastasis of tumor cells.Methods Using cytokeratin,CK-20 mRNA as target gene,the RT-PCR method was used to examine the pre-and post-operative changes in the number of tumor cells in the peripheral blood of 48 cases of colorectal cancer.Results After operation,the number of tumor cells in(peripheral) blood was significantly higher in the laparoscopic surgery group as compared to that of traditional(laparotomy) operation group(P0.05),but was significantly related to positive rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)(P

Anesthetic Management during Laparoscopic Splenectomy in a Third Trimester Pregnant Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura / 대한마취과학회지

Anesthetic management during a laparoscopic splenectomy in a third trimester pregnant patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is critical because of the possibility of massive intra- and postoperative bleeding either maternal, fetal, or both. Laparoscopic surgery may be beneficial in pregnant patients compared to open laparotomy, but the safety of laparoscopic operations in pregnant women is under investigation. Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, has been considered a contraindication of a laparoscopic procedure because the effect of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the fetus and uterine blood flow is unclear. However, the benefits of laparoscopic surgery such as less stress response and a shorter hospital stay are postulated. The careful anesthetic management and close hemodynamic monitoring of patient and fetus will be helpful in making laparoscopic surgery safer in pregnant patients. We report on the anesthetic management during a laparoscopic splenectomy in a third trimester pregnant patient with ITP. We monitored the intestinal mucosal CO2 using Tonocap because we considered it could sensitively represent the uterine perfusion and intestinal CO2 status, and we also monitored the noninvasive cardiac output by using NICO . Although the arterial and intestinal mucosal CO2 tension, PrCO2 and CO2 gap increased gradually during the operation, hypercapnia was not remarkable. Tonocap represented the earliest changes which made us control intraabdominal gas inflation pressure by detecting fluctuations of CO2 gap and pHi even though other respiratory and monitored hemodynamic parameterswere quite stable during the procedure in this case. The patient was maintained well postoperatively and discharged with an improved condition. She had preterm labor at 36 weeks and 4 days of eventful gestation, but safely delivered a healthy baby by a normal spontaneous method.

The Effect of the Body Position and CO2 Gas Insufflation on Airway Pressure and Compliance in Normal Subjects during Laparoscopy or Pelviscopy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic and pelviscopic techniques have rapidly increased in recent years. Laparoscopy or pelviscopy require carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation and Trendelenburg or reverse-Trendelenburg position for operational convenience. Many studies were done about the effects of laparoscopic procedures. But simultaneous comparisons of end-tidal CO2 tension (PETCO2), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), plateau pressure (Pplat) and respiratory compliance (Cdyn), between Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg position are rare. We compared the airway pressure and compliance between the two positions during laparoscopic surgery. METHOD: Eighty patients were divided into 2 groups: for 10o reverse-Trendelenburg position (n=40, Group R) and 10o Trendelenburg position (n=40, Group T). Abdominal pressure was maintained at 10 mmHg by a CO2 insufflator, and minute ventilation was controlled with a constant tidal volume and fixed respiratory rate. We observed the change of PETCO2, Ppeak, Pplat, and Cdyn at 1 minutes before CO2 insufflation (control value), 2 min after position change, 5, 20, 30, 60 minutes after CO2 insufflation, 2 min after CO2 removal, and 2 min after operation. RESULT: PETCO2, Ppeak, and Pplat were increased and Cdyn was decreased significantly after pneumoperitoneum compared with the control in group R. PETCO2, Ppeak, and Pplat were increased significantly under the Trendelenburg compared with the reverse-Trendelenburg, and Cdyn was decreased significantly in Trendelenburg compared with reverse-Trendelenburg. CONCLUSION: PETCO2, Ppeak, Pplat, and Cdyn impedances increased more under the Trendelenburg after pneumoperitoneum compared with reverse-Trendelenburg. We should pay more attention to patient with pulmonary disease, obesity, and old age under the Trendelenburg than reverse-Trendelenburg position.

The Effect of General Anesthesia on Hemodynamics during Laparoscopic Hysterectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy with peritoneal carbon dioxide insufflation is a standard procedure in many gynecological departments. And more prolonged gynecological laparoscopic operations are being performed in recent years, and a steeper head-down position is required. Despite laparoscopic operations have many advantages, peritoneal insufflation of CO2 to create the pneumoperitoneum necessary for laparoscopy induces intraoperative hemodynamic changes that complicate anesthetic management of laparoscopy.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of general anesthesia on hemodynamics during loparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: Twenty six women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly allocated to either a propofol (Group 1, n=13) intravenous anesthesia or a enflurane (Group 2, n=13) anesthesia with fentanyl-N2O/O2-vecuronium. Hemodynamic parameters were measured before induction (T1), 5 min after induction (T2), 5 min after head-down (T3), 5, 10, 15, 20 min after pneumoperitoneum (T4, T5, T6, T7), 5, 10 min after deflation (T8, T9). The MAP, HR, CI, SVRI, SI were measured by transthoracic electrical bioimpedence method and automated blood pressure device. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure were increased during pneumoperitonem in both groups and heart rate were increased in Group 2. The cardic index were decreased in both groups after induction by 27.4 % in Group 1 and 25.7% in Group 2. The systemic vascular resistanace index were increased in both groups from head-down to after deflation by 68.3% in Group 1, 73.1% in Group 2 maximally. No significant changes of stroke index were observed during surgery in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Laproscopy with CO2 insufflation induces significant hemodynamic changes includig increases of MAP, SVR and a reduction of CI. And usual intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring; the blood pressure and heart rate give no information on the reduction in cardic output.

The Effect of Warm Irrigation Fluid on Body Temperature during Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynecologic Patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hypothermia is a common problem during both laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery. Hypothermia during laparoscopic surgery is related to the use of irrigation fluid and the large volume of CO2 for maintaining pneumoperitoneum. The aim of this study is to estimate whether the use of warm irrigation fluid can reduce the incidence of hypothermia and the decrease of body temperature. METHODS: Forty-two female patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 20) was given an ambient temperature irrigation fluid and group 2 (n = 22) a warm irrigation fluid. The core esophageal body temperatures of all the patients were measured every 10 minutes for 70 minutes. Body temperature 10 minutes after induction was a control value. The degree of body temperature decrease was measured, and the incidence of hypothermia was recorded. RESULTS: The incidences of hypothermia in group 2 were decreased significantly 60 and 70 minutes after induction, compared with those of group 1. The degree of body temperature decrease was revealed to be significantly different between the two groups starting 50 minutes after induction. CONCLUSIONS: The use of warm irrigation fluid during laparoscopic surgery can reduce the incidence of hypothermia and degree of body temperature decrease.

The Effect of Warm Irrigation Fluid on Body Temperature during Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynecologic Patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hypothermia is a common problem during both laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery. Hypothermia during laparoscopic surgery is related to the use of irrigation fluid and the large volume of CO2 for maintaining pneumoperitoneum. The aim of this study is to estimate whether the use of warm irrigation fluid can reduce the incidence of hypothermia and the decrease of body temperature. METHODS: Forty-two female patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 20) was given an ambient temperature irrigation fluid and group 2 (n = 22) a warm irrigation fluid. The core esophageal body temperatures of all the patients were measured every 10 minutes for 70 minutes. Body temperature 10 minutes after induction was a control value. The degree of body temperature decrease was measured, and the incidence of hypothermia was recorded. RESULTS: The incidences of hypothermia in group 2 were decreased significantly 60 and 70 minutes after induction, compared with those of group 1. The degree of body temperature decrease was revealed to be significantly different between the two groups starting 50 minutes after induction. CONCLUSIONS: The use of warm irrigation fluid during laparoscopic surgery can reduce the incidence of hypothermia and degree of body temperature decrease.

Preemptive Analgesia of Local Infiltration with Bupivacaine for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is of benefit to reduce postoperative pain but many patients suffer from considerable pain after the surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the preoperative infiltration of bupivacaine at the trocar site reduced the intensity of the postoperative pain or not. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were selected. In a randomozed study, patients were divided into three groups. General anesthesia was induced with pentothal and succinylcholine, and maintained with vecuronium and isoflurane. After induction, the preincisional group (n = 20) received 0.25% bupivaciane 20 ml infiltration before skin incision and the postoperative group (n = 20) was given 0.25% bupivacaine 20 ml after peritoneal closure. The control group (n = 20) did not receive bupivacaine at any time. The first time of demand for analgesics and the amount of analgesics given during postoperative 48 hours were checked and recorded. The degree of postoperative pain was assessed hourly by visual analogue scale (VAS) score until 9 hours and checked once more at 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The first times of demand for analgesics were significantly delayed in the preoperative group (12.1+/-6.0 hours) as compared with the control (2.9+/-1.6 hours) and postoperative groups (6.2+/-3.9 hours). The demand for analgesics until 9-hour postoperation by the preincisional group (10.5+/-14.7) was significantly less than that of the control (42.0 20.4) and postoperative groups (31.5+/-22.8). The VAS score of the preoperative group was lower than that of the control or postoperative groups during the postoperative 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Local infiltration of 0.25% bupivacaine into the trocar site preincisionally could reduce the early postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The Effect of CO2 Insufflation and Trendelenburg-lithotomy Position on Intraocular Pressure during Laparoscopy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopy requires carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation and Trendelenburg position for operational convenience. However, the above circumstances affect the cardiopulmonary systems significantly and intraocular pressure (IOP) may be also influenced. METHODS: In 27 non-glaucoma patients right and left intraocular pressure (RIOP, LIOP) were measured 5 minutes after induction of general anesthesia (control value), 15 and 30 minutes after CO2 insufflation and endelenburg-lithotomy position. RESULTS: The control values of RIOP and LIOP were 11.3 4.7 mmHg and 11.5 4.7 mmHg respectively. At 15 minutes after CO2 insufflation and Trendelenburg-lithotomy position, they increased to 16.6 5.3 mmHg and 17.0 5.9 mmHg (p<0.05). At 30 minutes, 18.4 3.5 mmHg and 18.2 4.1 mmHg (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: CO2 insufflation and Trendelenburg-lithotomy position increase IOP significantly in non-glaucoma patients during laparoscopy.

The Effects of Intraperitoneal Carbon Dioxide Insufflation and Head-down Tilt Position on Intracranial Pressure / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopy requires CO2 insufflation and posture changes for operational convenience. However, above circumstances affect the cardiopulmonary systems significantly. And then intracranial pressure (ICP) may be also influenced. METHODS: To ascertain the changes of ICP, an experimental study was performed, in which the parameters of hemodynamic status, arterial blood gas components and ICP were measured from twelve cases of Korean mongrel dogs. Pneumoperitoneum was produced by CO2 insufflation(15 mmHg) and then posture was altered from horizontal to head-down tilt of 20, 30 and 40 degree*. The measurements were obtained before (control), after CO2 insufflated horizontal position at 20, 40 and 60 minute in CO2 insufflated tilt** and CO2 deflated horizontal***. RESULTS: MAP and HR were not related to the insufflated time and degree of tilt. CVP and PCWP were significantly increased after CO2 insufflated tilt (p<0.01), but returned to control after deflated supine. PaCO2 was not significantly changed after CO2 insufflated supine, but grdually increased with degree of tilt and time (p<0.01). ICP was increased at 40 and 60 minute of 20degree, and at 20 minute of 30degree(p<0.05), then markedly increased at 40 and 60 minute of 30degree, and at 20, 40 and 60 minute of 40degreetilt (p<0.01). The increment of ICP was parallel with time and degree of tilt. But, ICP was returned to control after deflated supine. CONCLUSIONS: ICP was increased significantly during laparoscopy in head-down tilt, although it was reversible. Therefore, the patient must be given special attention during laparoscopy in whom the increment of ICP may be harmful.

Modifications hemodynamiques durant la cœlioscopie: étude menée par bioimpédance électrique thoracique.

Au cours de 18 cœlioscopies chez des jeunes femmes A.S.A. status physique 1, les conséquences hémodynamiques du pneumopéritoine et de la position de Trendelenburg ont été évaluées par la méthode non invasive de bioimpédance électrique thoracique. L'index cardiaque chute significativement de 3,2 à 2,8 L · min-1 · m-2 à l'insufflation intra-abdominale et retrouve ses valeurs de départ après dix minutes de Trendelenburg. La pression artérielle moyenne et les résistances vasculaires systémiques indexées sont très augmentées de 1620 à 2491 dyn · s · cm-5 · m-2 après insufflation; l'exsufflation ne permet pas un retour aux valeurs de départ: l'élevation résiduelle des RVSI est de 30 pour cent. L'obstacle au retour veineux pas compression intra-abdominale explique bien la chute du débit cardiaque, conformément aux données de la littérature. En revanche, l'augmentation des résistances vasculaires systémiques ne peut être expliquée par les seuls phénomènes mécaniques du fait de leur persistance après la levée de la compression. L'hypothèse de l'intervention d'un médiateur humoral doit done être discutée.In 18 women A.S.A. physical status 1, a noninvasive thoracic electrical bioimpedance method was used to evaluate haemodynamic changes during gynaecologycal laparoscopy. A significant decrease in cardiac index was observed after peritoneal insufflation, from 3.2 to 2.8 L · min-1 · m-2 and returned to the initial values after ten minutes of Trendelenburg's position. Elevated intra-abdominal pressure was also associated with a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (from 68 to 88 mmHg) and systemic vascular resistance index (from 1620 to 2491 dyn · s · cm-5 · m-2). However, values were not restored after peritoneal exsufflation: systemic vascular resistance index values remained 30 per cent higher than that before insufflation. Decreased venous return may account for the significant decrease in cardiac output but mechanical compression does not explain the persistent elevation of systemic vascular resistance.