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Higher colon cancer tumor proliferative index and lower tumor cell death rate in mice undergoing laparotomy versus insufflation.

BACKGROUND: Our laboratory has previously shown that tumors are established more easily and grow larger after laparotomy than after laparoscopy. To characterize these differences in tumor growth further, the tumor cell death rates and tumor proliferation rates were compared in vivo after full sham laparotomy versus carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation. METHODS: Female Balb/C mice (n = 36) were inoculated intradermally in the dorsal skin with 106 C-26 colon adenocarcinoma cells in 0.1 ml of culture media no more than 1 h before interventions. The mice then were randomized to one of three groups: anesthesia control, CO2 insufflation, or sham laparotomy. The anesthesia control group underwent no procedure. The insufflation group underwent CO2 pneumoperitoneum (4-6 mmHg) for 20 min via a 20-gauge angiocatheter. The laparotomy group underwent a midline incision from xiphoid to pubis, which was closed after 20 min. Tumors were excised from half the mice in each group on postoperative day 7, and from the remaining mice on postoperative day 14. Sections of tumors were made then stained separately for free 3? hydroxyl ends of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using fluorescein-deoxyunidine triphosphate (dUTP), and immunohistochemically for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Apoptosis was measured by quantitating DNA strand breaks in individual cells using fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescein-positive cells in five random high-power fields (x200) were counted in a blinded fashion. The proliferative index of each tumor was determined by averaging PCNA positive cells in five high-power fields (x450) counted in a blinded fashion with the aid of an optical grid. RESULTS: On postoperative day 7, there was no significant difference in the proliferative index or apoptotic rates among the three groups. On postoperative day 14, the proliferative index in the laparotomy group was significantly higher than in either the insufflation or control group (p < 0.001). The proliferative index in the insufflation group also was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Inverse differences in apoptotic rates were found. The apoptotic rate in the laparotomy group was significantly lower than in either the insufflation (p < 0.05) or control group (p < 0.001). The apoptotic rate in the insufflation group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that there is a significantly higher rate of tumor cell proliferation and a significantly lower rate of tumor cell death with the C-26 colon adenocarcinoma tumor line after laparotomy than after insufflation or anesthesia alone on post-operative day 14. The mechanisms of these phenomena are unclear. It appears that certain factors postoperatively stimulate tumors to proliferate at a higher rate, causing tumor cells to die at a lower rate in the laparotomy group than in the insufflation group.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Minimizing postcolonoscopy abdominal pain by using CO(2) insufflation: a prospective, randomized, double blind, controlled trial evaluating a new commercially available CO(2) delivery system.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal pain after colonoscopy is a common, distressing symptom resulting from bowel distension by insufflated gas. CO(2), unlike air, is rapidly cleared from the colon by passive absorption. A commercially available CO(2) delivery system has only recently become available. The effects of CO(2) and air insufflation on residual bowel gas and postprocedure pain were compared. METHODS: One hundred patients were randomized to undergo colonoscopy with insufflation of air (n = 51) or CO(2) (n = 49) by means of a regulator; 97 patients completed the study. Patients with active GI bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, or previous colectomy were excluded. Pain scores (ordinal scale: 0 = none, to 5 = extreme) were recorded immediately after colonoscopy and at 1, 6, and 24 hours. Residual colonic gas was evaluated on abdominal radiographs at 1 hour. RESULTS: Residual colonic gas and postprocedural pain at 1 and 6 hours were significantly less in the CO(2) group. 71% of patients insufflated with room air had colonic distension in excess of 6 cm versus 4% for those in the CO(2) group. 94% of patients insufflated with CO(2) had minimal colonic gas versus 2% in whom air was used (p < 0.0001). Of patients insufflated with air, 45% and 31% had pain at, respectively, 1 hour and 6 hours, versus 7% and 9%, respectively, for those insufflated with CO(2) (respectively, p < 0.0001 and p < O.02). No complications resulted from use of the CO(2) delivery system. CONCLUSIONS: Insufflation of CO(2) rather than air significantly reduces abdominal pain and bowel distension after colonoscopy. CO(2) may be insufflated safely and effectively with the new CO(2) delivery system.

Abdominal Pain↗

Intraoperative evaluation of laparoscopic insufflation technique for quality control in the OR.

OBJECTIVE: With increasing technology and computerized systems in the OR, the physician's responsibility is growing. For intraoperative evaluation of insufflation techniques, a data acquisition model for quality control study of potential insufflation problems is necessary. METHODS: A computer-based, online data acquisition model was designed with a Pentium notebook, PCMCIA data acquisition board PCI-460-P1 and a Visual Designer 3.0 measurement program (both Intelligent Instrumentation, Inc., Tucson, AZ), temperature meters Therm 2280-1 and 2283-2 (Ahlborn, Holzkirchen, Germany) and temperature probes 401 AC and 402 AC (YSI, Inc., Yellow Springs, OH) and T-430-2R (Ahlborn, Holzkirchen, Germany). Gas flow was measured with laminar flow element LFE 1 and flow meters Digima premo 720 (both Special Instruments, Noerdlingen, Germany). During 73 standard laparoscopic procedures, gas flow (L/min) in the insufflation hose, pressure (mm Hg) in the hose and abdomen as well as temperature (degrees C) in the hose, abdomen and rectum were measured continuously at 3 Hz rate. RESULTS: Actual values measured show a wide range often not identical with insufflator presetting. Pressure in the abdomen is usually less than hose pressure. Intra-abdominal pressure peaks (< or = 50 mm Hg) occurred during insufficient anesthesia, while leaning on the abdomen, during trocar insertion and other manipulation. Blood-irrigation fluids found in the hose (n=3/73) can lead to bacterial contamination. Negative pressure (-50 mm Hg) was measured due to Endobag removal. Negative flow (< or = 15 L/min) was caused by pressure on the abdomen, insufflator regulation and an empty CO2 gas tank. Gas temperature in the hose equals room temperature but can decrease in the abdomen to 27.7 degrees C due to high gas flow, large amounts of gas used and prolonged insufflation. Further insufflation-related problems were documented. CONCLUSIONS: This computer-based measurement model proved to be useful for quality control study in the OR. Results demonstrate the need for intraoperative evaluation of insufflation techniques for laparoscopy. Although no obvious complication related to insufflation problems occurred, some findings potentially question patient security.

Computer Graphics↗

Effect of tracheal gas insufflation during weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal gas insufflation reduces inspired tidal volume and minute ventilation in spontaneously breathing patients and may facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. OBJECTIVE: To determine if tracheal gas insufflation can reduce ventilatory demand during weaning trials in patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A reduction in ventilatory demand was defined as a relative decrease in tidal volume, minute ventilation, and mean inspiratory flow during trials with tracheal gas insufflation compared with the values during trials without this therapy. A total of 14 subjects underwent T-piece trials with and without insufflation (flow rate 6 L/min) on 2 consecutive days; the order of insufflation was randomized. Tidal volume, minute ventilation, and mean inspiratory flow were measured at baseline (without insufflation) and 2 hours later. RESULTS: Differences in ventilatory demand were not significant when comparisons were made for condition (tracheal gas insufflation vs no flow) or time (baseline vs 2 hours) for the total group (P = .48). Subjects were classified post hoc as responders (n = 9) or nonresponders (n = 5). Comparisons between responders and nonresponders indicated a significant (P = .02) 3-way multivariate interaction for group (responder vs nonresponder), condition (tracheal gas insufflation vs no flow), and time (baseline vs 2 hours) for ventilatory demand variables. CONCLUSION: Tracheal gas insufflation can reduce ventilatory demand during weaning trials in some patients who require mechanical ventilation.

Adult↗

Pulmonary CO2 elimination during surgical procedures using intra- or extraperitoneal CO2 insufflation.

We examined end-tidal CO2 tension (PETCO2) and pulmonary CO2 elimination of CO2 (VECO2) during CO2 insufflation under general anesthesia for three surgical procedures: gynecologic laparoscopy (intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation for 43 +/- 4 min), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation for 125 +/- 14 min), and pelviscopy (extraperitoneal CO2 insufflation for 45 +/- 3 min). All patients (10 in each group) underwent controlled mechanical ventilation. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and VECO2 were measured at 2-min intervals by a system using a mass spectrometer. For the three surgical procedures, VO2 remained stable, whereas VECO2 and PETCO2 increased in parallel from the 8th to the 10th min after the start of CO2 insufflation. A plateau was reached 10 min later in patients having intraperitoneal insufflation, whereas VECO2 and PETCO2 continued to increase slowly throughout CO2 insufflation during pelviscopy. During pelviscopy, the maximum increase in VECO2 and PETCO2 (76 +/- 5% and 71 +/- 7%) was significantly more pronounced than that observed during cholecystectomy (25 +/- 4% and 25 +/- 4%) and gynecologic laparoscopy (15 +/- 3% and 12 +/- 2%). The authors conclude that CO2 diffusion into the body is more marked during extraperitoneal than during intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation but is not influenced markedly by the duration of intraperitoneal insufflation.

Adult↗

Decreased cerebrospinal fluid absorption during abdominal insufflation.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial pressure (ICP) is known to rise during induced CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. This rise correlates with an increase in inferior vena caval pressure; therefore, it is probably associated with increased pressure in the lumbar venous plexus. Branches of this plexus communicate with arachnoid villi in the lumbar cistern and the dural sleeves of spinal nerve roots-areas where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption to normally takes place. The increased venous pressure in this area may impede CSF absorption. Because CSF is produced at a constant rate, decreased absorption will increase ICP. We hypothesized that increased ICP occurring during abdominal insufflation is due, at least in part, to decreased absorption of CSF. The purpose of this study is to show that CSF absorption is inhibited during abdominal insufflation. METHODS: After appropriate approval was obtained, 16 domestic swine were anesthetized and injected into the CSF with 100 microcuries (microCu) of I(131) radioactive iodinated human serum albumin (RISA) in 2 ml of normal saline. Eight subjects underwent CO(2) abdominal insufflation to 15 mmHg and were maintained for 4 h. A control group did not undergo insufflation. Blood levels of RISA were measured over a 4-h period to determine the rate of CSF absorption. RESULTS: Blood levels of RISA increased at a slower rate in the subjects undergoing abdominal insufflation than in the control group. The mean change over 2 h in the insufflated group was 15% compared to 34% in the control group (p = 0.02). This difference indicates decreased absorption of CSF in the insufflated group. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate decreased absorption of CSF during abdominal insufflation and support the hypothesis that the increase in ICP pressure occurring during abdominal insufflation is caused, at least in part, by decreased absorption of CSF in the region of the lumbar cistern and the dural sleeves of spinal nerve roots.

Animals↗

A comparison of the hemodynamic and ventilatory effects of abdominal insufflation with helium and carbon dioxide in young swine.

Abdominal CO2 insufflation has been shown to cause hypercarbia, acidemia, and decreased oxygenation in a pediatric animal model. Such metabolic derangements have prompted a search for alternative insufflation gases. This study compares the hemodynamic and ventilatory changes that occur during pneumoperitoneum with CO2 and helium. Four juvenile swine were intubated and given general anesthesia. Minute ventilation was adjusted to obtain a baseline Pco2 of between 32 and 36 mm Hg, and was kept constant for the duration of the experiment. The subjects initially were insufflated with CO2 or helium at a pressure of 10 mm Hg. Peak ventilatory pressure, end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) arterial pH, Pco2, Po2, and right atrial and inferior vena caval pressures were measured before and during a 1-hour insufflation period. After desufflation, Pco2 and pH were restabilized. The same parameters were then measured during reinsufflation with the alternate gas. CO2 insufflation caused significant decreases in pH, from 7.51 +/- 0.03 to 7.32 +/- 0.06, and Po2 increased from 261 +/- 49 to 189 +/- 33 mm Hg. Pco2 increased from 35.0 +/- 1.4 to 57.9 +/- 6.3 mm Hg. ETCO2 also increased, from 29.0 +/- 2.2 to 47.2 +/- 5.0 mm Hg. Helium insufflation caused pH to decrease from 7.51 +/- 0.01 to 7.42 +/- 0.04. Pco2 increased from 32.8 +/- 0.8 to 43.5 +/- 3.9 mm Hg, and ETCO2 increased from 27.8 +/- 0.5 to 36.8 +/- 3.1 mm Hg. These alterations were significantly less than those with CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Po2 decreased as well-from 266 +/- 30 to 212 +/- 21 mm Hg. During insufflation with both gases, peak ventilatory pressure and right atrial pressure increased significantly. Abdominal insufflation with CO2 or helium causes hypercarbia, acidemia, and increased ETCO2 in this juvenile animal model. These derangements are significantly less with helium. This gas may prove to be the more suitable insufflation agent for pediatric patients.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Effects of intraabdominally insufflated carbon dioxide and elevated intraabdominal pressure on splanchnic circulation: an experimental study in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Intraabdominally insufflated carbon dioxide (CO2) during laparoscopy may have a specific effect on splanchnic circulation that may be unrelated to the effects of increased intraabdominal pressure alone. Therefore, the influences of insufflation with CO2 versus air on splanchnic circulation were compared. METHODS: Pigs were chronically instrumented for continuous recording of mesenteric artery, portal venous, inferior vena cava, and pulmonary arterial blood flow and portal venous pressure. After induction of anesthesia, CO2 or air was insufflated in 14 and 10 pigs, respectively. With the pigs in the supine position, intraabdominal pressure was increased in steps of 4 mmHg up to 24 mmHg by graded gas insufflation. RESULTS: During air insufflation, mesenteric artery vascular resistance was unchanged, whereas mesenteric arterial blood flow decreased with increasing intraabdominal pressure. Shortly after CO2 insufflation to an intraabdominal pressure of 4 mmHg, mean arterial pressure, mesenteric arterial blood flow, and mesenteric arterial vascular resistance were increased by 21%, 12% and 9%, respectively. Subsequently, with the onset of CO2 resorption in the third minute, mean arterial pressure declined to baseline values and mesenteric arterial vascular resistance declined to 85% of baseline values, whereas mesenteric arterial blood flow continued to increase to a maximum of 24% higher than baseline values. At steady-state conditions during CO2 insufflation, mesenteric arterial blood flow was increased up to an intraabdominal pressure 16 mmHg but decreased at higher intraabdominal pressures. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to air insufflation, intraabdominal insufflation of CO2 resulted in a moderate splanchnic hyperemia at an intraabdominal pressure < or = 12 mmHg. At higher intraabdominal pressure values, pressure-induced changes became more important than the type of gas used.

Abdomen↗

[Respiratory distress after endotracheal insufflation of baby powder in dogs].

The cause of delayed respiratory distress after endotracheal insufflation of baby powder was investigated in dogs. Ten dogs were divided into 2 groups. In the insufflation group (n = 6), baby powder 1g.kg-1 was insufflated through an endotracheal tube under controlled mechanical ventilation. In the control group (n = 4), artificial ventilation was continued for 36 hours without insufflation of baby powder. PaO2 in the insufflation group fell until 1 hour, and then improved until 12 hours after the insufflation. But PaO2 fell again after 12 hours, and all dogs died by 36 hours after the insufflation. Pathological examination of the lungs of the insufflation group revealed gram-negative bacillus pneumonia, but no pneumonia occurred in the control group. Gram-negative bacillus was not detected in the baby powder, but Acinetobacter calcoaceticus was found from the tracheal swabs of the dog. Therefore, delayed respiratory distress was thought to have been caused by A. calcoaceticus pneumonia. It was concluded that A. calcoaceticus, which comprises a part of the indigenous flora of the respiratory tract of the dog, finally caused pneumonia and death of the dogs after baby powder insufflation because baby powder had damaged the lung's defence of bacterial clearance.

Acinetobacter Infections↗

The influence of CO2 versus helium insufflation or the abdominal wall lifting technique on the systemic immune response.

BACKGROUND: Both laparoscopic and conventional surgery result in activation of the systemic immune response; however, the influence of the laparoscopic approach, using CO2 insufflation, is significantly less. Little is known about the influence of alternative methods for performing laparoscopy, such as helium insufflation and the abdominal wall lifting technique (AWLT), and the systemic immune response. METHODS: Thirty-three patients scheduled for elective cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to undergo laparoscopy using either CO2 or helium for abdominal insufflation or laparoscopy using only the AWLT. The postoperative inflammatory response was assessed by measuring the white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The postoperative immune response was assessed by measuring monocyte HLA-DR expression. RESULTS: CRP levels were significantly higher 1 day after helium insufflation when compared with CO2 insufflation; however, no differences were observed 2 days after surgery. The AWLT resulted in significantly higher levels of CRP both 1 and 2 days after surgery when compared with either CO2 or helium insufflation. A small increase in postoperative IL-6 levels was observed in all groups, but no significant differences were seen between the groups. After both helium insufflation and AWLT a significant decrease in HLA-DR expression was observed, in contrast to the CO2 group. CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide used for abdominal insufflation seems to limit the postoperative inflammatory response and to preserve parameters reflecting the immune status. These findings may be of importance in determining the preferred method of laparoscopy in oncologic surgery.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Impact of carbon dioxide and helium insufflation on cardiorespiratory function during prolonged pneumoperitoneum in an experimental rat model.

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies on laparoscopic surgery are often performed in rats. However, the hemodynamic and respiratory responses related to the pneumoperitoneum have not been studied extensively in rats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate in spontaneously breathing rats the effects of CO2 and helium, insufflation pressure, and duration of pneumoperitoneum on blood pressure, arterial pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3-, base excess, and respiratory rate. METHODS: Five groups of 9 Brown Norway rats were anesthetized and underwent CO2 insufflation (6 or 12 mmHg), helium insufflation (6 or 12 mmHg), or abdominal wall lifting (gasless control) for 120 min. Blood pressure was monitored by an indwelling carotid artery catheter. Baseline measurements of mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate, arterial blood pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3-, and base excess were recorded. Blood gases were analyzed at 5, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min during pneumoperitoneum, and MAP and respiratory rate were recorded at 5 and 15 min and at 15-min intervals thereafter for 2 h. RESULTS: CO2 insufflation (at both 6 and 12 mmHg) caused a significant decrease in blood pH and increase in arterial pCO2. Respiratory compensation was evident since pCO2 returned to preinsufflation levels during CO2 insufflation at 12 mmHg. There was no significant change in blood pH and pCO2 in rats undergoing either helium insufflation or gasless procedures. Neither insufflation pressure nor the type of insufflation gas had a significant effect on MAP over time. CONCLUSION: The cardiorespiratory changes during prolonged pneumoperitoneum in spontaneously breathing rats are similar to those seen in clinical practice. Therefore, studies conducted in this animal model can provide valuable physiological data relevant to the study of laparoscopic surgery.

Animals↗

Prolonged intraperitoneal versus extraperitoneal insufflation of carbon dioxide in patients undergoing totally endoscopic robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Extraperitoneal laparoscopic prostatectomy is an alternative to the intraperitoneal method. However, the effects of extraperitoneal carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation on hemodynamics and respiratory data have not been adequately studied. This study compared the effects of prolonged intra- and extraperitoneal CO2 insufflation on hemodynamics and gas exchange. METHODS: For this study, 20 patients were assigned to receive totally endoscopic robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (TERP) via the intra- or extraperitoneal approach. Hemodynamic parameters and respiratory data were obtained during 8 h of insufflation and analyzed for statistical differences. RESULTS: With both insufflation methods, arterial CO2 pressure increased rapidly, reaching higher levels with extraperitoneal insufflation. Therefore, patients managed with extraperitoneal insufflation required a significantly higher minute ventilation. Heart rate and central venous pressure increased in both groups, whereas mean arterial blood pressure and pH decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged intra- and extraperitoneal CO2 insufflation for TERP resulted in significant, but mostly clinically unimportant, hemodynamic alterations. Carbon dioxide absorption was more pronounced with extraperitoneal insufflation.

Aged↗

Inflammatory response and bacterial dissemination after laparotomy and abdominal CO2 insufflation in a murine model of peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: The immunologic repercussions due to cavity insufflation are the focus of great discussion. The aim of this study was to compare the inflammatory response and bacterial dissemination after laparotomy and abdominal CO2 insufflation in a murine model of peritonitis. METHODS: Swiss mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.5 ml of a solution containing 1 x 10(8) colony-forming units (CFU)/ml of Escherichia coli and were divided into three groups as follow: control (anesthesia for 30 min), laparotomy (2.5-cm midline incision for 30 min), and CO2 pneumoperitoneum (CO2 cavity insufflation for 30 min). The number of leukocytes, CFU/ml counting, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-10 were evaluated in blood, peritoneal, and pleural fluid samples obtained at 90 min and 18 h after the procedures. RESULTS: The laparotomy group showed a greater bacterial dissemination to the blood, peritoneum, and pleural cavity and also greater neutrophil migration to the peritoneal cavity compared to the CO2 insufflated and control groups. The 24-h mortality was also significantly higher in the laparotomy group. The IL-6 levels showed a precocious rise in all groups submitted to bacterial inoculation at the 90-min time point. At the 18-h time point, IL-6 levels in the peritoneum were significantly higher in the laparotomy group than in the control or CO2 insufflated groups. At the same time, TNF-alpha levels were higher in the laparotomy and CO2 insufflated groups than in controls; IL-10 levels showed no differences among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that cavity insufflation with CO2 is a more effective method of access, inducing less bacterial dissemination and also a less intense inflammatory response. Cavity insufflation with CO2 may present a good option for the surgical treatment of patients with bacterial peritonitis.

Animals↗

A randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of humidified carbon dioxide insufflation during thoracoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The humidification of gas insufflated during laparoscopy can reduce the degree of postoperative hypothermia and may result in less peritoneal reaction and less postoperative pain. The present study was designed to determine whether the beneficial effects of humidified gas insufflation also applied to thoracoscopy. METHODS: Six pigs were each studied on three separate occasions with insufflation into the right thoracic cavity of either humidified gas, standard dry gas, or with no insufflation (control procedure). Core body temperature was recorded every 15 min, and biopsies of the parietal pleura were taken at the end of each study for electron microscopy. RESULTS: Humidification of insufflated gas significantly minimized the fall in core temperature during the procedure. Electron microscopy showed that dry gas insufflation resulted in greater structural injury to the pleura than humidified gas insufflation. CONCLUSIONS: The potential benefits of humidifying insufflation gas during thoracoscopy warrant its evaluation in the clinical setting.

Analysis of Variance↗

Endoscopy during laparoscopy. Reduced postprocedural bowel distention with intraluminal CO2 insufflation.

BACKGROUND: Intraluminal endoscopy during laparoscopy can substitute for manual palpation in defining anatomy and pathology, but a potential problem is the persistent bowel distention associated with intraluminal air insufflation. METHODS: To compare the rates of intraluminal absorption, a 30-cm segment of small bowel with an intact vascular supply was insufflated with either air or CO2 during CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Intraluminal pressures and bowel circumferences were monitored after the insufflation was stopped. To study the metabolic and hemodynamic effects of CO2 endoscopy during laparoscopy, the small bowel was insufflated to an intraluminal pressure of 15 mmHg during CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Nitrogen pneumoperitoneum was used to differentiate the effects from intraluminal and peritoneal CO2 insufflation. RESULTS: The intraluminal pressures remained elevated and the bowel distended for the entire 3 h following bowel insufflation with air. Following intraluminal CO2 insufflation, both the intraluminal pressures and the bowel circumferences returned to preinsufflation values within 15 min. Intraluminal CO2 insufflation also led to systemic absorption of CO2 with significant metabolic and hemodynamic changes. These changes were effectively corrected by doubling minute ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Intraluminal CO2 was absorbed faster than intraluminal air. Although decreased bowel distention is certainly of practical value, endotracheal intubation needs to be done to effectively ventilate the absorbed CO2.

Air↗

Experimental study of peritoneal blood flow and insufflation pressure during laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Port-site metastases after laparoscopic surgery may occur with greater frequency than would be expected following open resection of intra-abdominal malignancies, but the causal mechanism for this is incompletely understood. The possibility that insufflation may increase peritoneal blood flow producing a wound environment conducive to the formation of metastases was investigated. METHODS: The effects of insufflation gas type and pressure were studied in 30-kg female pigs. Pigs were divided into five groups, which were subjected to insufflation at 12 mmHg pressure with helium, insufflation at 12, 8 or 4 mmHg pressure with carbon dioxide, or laparotomy. A microsphere technique utilizing two distinct radiotracers, 99mTc-labelled macroaggregated albumin (MAA) and 51Cr-labelled MAA, was used to study blood flow to the peritoneum, liver and kidneys. RESULTS: Insufflation with carbon dioxide or helium gases had no effect on renal (P < 0.09) or hepatic blood flow (P = 0.54). However, insufflation significantly increased peritoneal blood flow when carbon dioxide (P < 0.05), but not when helium (P = 0.99), was used as the insufflating gas. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that blood flow within the peritoneum is influenced by insufflation with carbon dioxide. It is conceivable that such hyperaemia could increase the propensity for implanted tumour cells to metastasize in these sites following laparoscopy.

Animals↗

Tumour implantation following laparoscopy using different insufflation gases.

BACKGROUND: Because of the possibility of intraperitoneal seeding and port-site recurrences following laparoscopic surgery, the role of laparoscopy in cancer surgery remains controversial. Previous experimental studies have suggested that chemical, metabolic and immunological changes following carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation may be responsible for this phenomenon. Earlier experimental studies done by the University of Adelaide Department of Surgery have also shown that helium insufflation is associated with none of the adverse changes brought about by CO2 insufflation. Helium insufflation is also associated with lower rates of intra-abdominal tumour spread. The aim of this study was to determine whether these identified benefits apply to inert gases in general. METHODS: Twenty-four Dark Agouti rats were randomized to undergo laparoscopy with 40 min insufflation using one of the following four gases (six rats in each group); CO2, helium, argon and nitrogen. A tumour cell suspension was injected into the abdominal cavity at the beginning of laparoscopy. The rats were killed 7 days after surgery, and the peritoneal cavity and port sites were examined for the presence of tumour. RESULTS: Rats undergoing helium insufflation, had the least number of port-site recurrences and the least amount of intraperitoneal tumour spread. Argon and nitrogen pneumoperitoneum were associated with a large number of port-site recurrences and widespread tumour seeding. The effect of CO2 insufflation was intermediate. CONCLUSION: The choice of insufflation gas influences the incidence of port-site metastases and the degree of intraperitoneal tumour spread following laparoscopic cancer surgery. The reduced port-site recurrences and intraperitoneal spread that followed helium pneumoperitoneum is likely to be a unique property of this gas rather than a property of inert gases in general.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Air and carbon dioxide volumes insufflated during colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: During colonoscopy, air or carbon dioxide is insufflated to secure adequate visualization of the colon, and endoscopy trainees are reminded to use as little gas as possible to avoid patient discomfort. However, the volume of gas insufflated by endoscopists during colonoscopy is unknown. The aim of the present study was to measure volumes of carbon dioxide and air insufflated during colonoscopy. METHODS: A total 249 consecutive patients participating in a colorectal cancer screening program were randomized to undergo colonoscopy with either carbon dioxide or air insufflation. Gas volumes insufflated during the procedure were measured with a mass-flowmeter. Four experienced endoscopists performed all of the examinations. RESULTS: Gas volumes were successfully measured in 218 (87%) patients. A mean of 8.3 L of carbon dioxide (range 1.2-19.8 L) and 8.2 L of air (range 1.8-18 L) were insufflated (p = 0.9). Mean volumes insufflated per minute were estimated to be 0.26 L and 0.24 L, respectively, in the carbon dioxide and air groups (p = 0.5). Statistically significant differences in the volumes of gas insufflated per minute were observed among some of the endoscopists. CONCLUSIONS: The volumes of carbon dioxide and air used during colonoscopy can be estimated. Differences in volumes of gas used by experienced endoscopists were detected.

Air↗