Respiratory mechanics and arterial blood gases during and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure due to CO2 insufflation on the mechanical characteristics of the respiratory system and arterial blood gases during and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Respiratory mechanics and arterial blood gases were examined in 12 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with CO2 insufflation. Respiratory mechanics were continuously monitored with in-line spirometry. In the recovery room, PaCO2 was measured in this group at 30 min and compared with PaCO(2)s in 23 patients who had undergone open cholecystectomy retrospectively, to evaluate the effects of insufflation on CO2 elimination. Results: Minute ventilation was decreased by about 500 ml . min(-1) during abdominal insufflation. Dynamic lung compliance decreased from 49.6 +/- 4.7 to 30.7 +/- 2.3 (mean +/- SEM) ml . cmH(2)O(-1) with abdominal insufflation (P < 0.005), and returned to 45.1 +/- 3.1 after the release of pneumoperitoneum. Peak inspiratory pressure increased from 15.9 +/- 0.9 to 18.9 +/- 1.0 cmH(2)O with abdominal insufflation (P < 0.05). Arterial blood gas determinations indicated a decrease in arterial PH, with CO2 retention during insufflation and in the recovery room (P < 0.05). PaCO2 of the laparoscopic patients was higher than that of the open patients in the recovery room. Conclusion: The results indicate that respiratory acidosis was caused during CO2 insufflation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, that was due to (1) decreased compliance, (2) increased CO2 load and (3) insufficient ventilation. Accumulated CO2 during laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased PaCO2 level in the recovery room.