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Biomedical subjects

K S Sibert

Publications and source records attributed to K S Sibert.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopy. Gasless vs. CO2 pneumoperitoneum.

OBJECTIVE: To compare gasless laparoscopy with conventional laparoscopy using CO2 pneumoperitoneum. STUDY DESIGN: Women undergoing bilateral laparoscopic tubal coagulation (LTC) were randomly assigned to one of two laparoscopy procedures: (1) a gasless laparoscopy system consisting of an intraabdominal fan retractor and electrically powered mechanical arm, and (2) standard CO2 pneumoperitoneum laparoscopy. The two laparoscopic procedures were compared on the basis of intraoperative visualization, operation duration, procedural difficulty, ventilatory parameters, hemodynamic stability, and postoperative pain and nausea. RESULTS: Significant disadvantages for the surgeon (increased technical difficulty, poorer visualization, longer operative times) and patient (greater postoperative pain and nausea) were seen with the gasless system. Because of these findings, the study was prematurely terminated after only 18 patients had participated. Intraoperative ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters were more stable in the gasless laparoscopy groups; however, the differences were not clinically significant in this population of healthy patients. CONCLUSION: The markedly increased technical difficulty and absence of clear clinical benefits for the healthy patient led to the conclusion that laparoscopy with CO2 pneumoperitoneum is preferable for routine LTC and most laparoscopic procedures in the pelvis. Gasless laparoscopy may be of benefit for the fragile patient with a compromised cardiovascular system who may suffer complications from hypercarbenemia.

Adult↗

Impaired ventilatory capacity after recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome.

A 48-year-old woman who failed to disclose significant past medical history presented for laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with general anesthesia. After the uneventful induction of anesthesia, her trachea could not be intubated due to an extremely anterior larynx, and she was allowed to awaken. However, she developed upper airway obstruction and displayed marked muscle weakness with inadequate tidal volumes and marginal oxygen saturation. A history of prior Guillain-Barré syndrome was disclosed by the attending gynecologist. The patient's recovery was complicated by the development of postobstructive pulmonary edema and by respiratory insufficiency requiring the use of mask continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Despite vigorous diuresis, her respiratory status and muscle weakness did not significantly improve until she received a trial of aminophylline by infusion, after which she was able to be weaned from mask CPAP support. The patient was discharged home and returned 8 weeks later for surgery. She underwent awake fiberoptic intubation, after which general anesthesia was induced and maintained without complication. An aminophylline infusion was used in the perioperative period until the patient was successfully awakened and her trachea extubated. The frequency of residual muscle weakness after apparent full recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome is discussed, along with the rationale for the use of aminophylline in this patient's clinical management.

Aminophylline↗