Effects of carbon dioxide insufflation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the respiratory system

The changes occurring in total respiratory system, lung and chest wall mechanics, lung volume and gas-exchange during abdominal insufflation with carbon dioxide for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied. Using the technique of rapid airway occlusion during constant flow inflation together with an oesophageal balloon, we computed compliance and maximum resistance of the respiratory system, subsequently apportioning it into its lung and chest wall components. Maximum resistance of the respiratory system was further divided into airway resistance and the viscoelastic properties of the lung and the chest wall. In 10 patients (group 1), we measured respiratory system, lung and chest wall mechanics (compliance and resistance), functional residual capacity, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension and oxygen saturation. In addition, arterial blood gas analysis and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension were measured in a second group of 10 patients (group 2). Measurements, in both groups, were obtained in the reverse Trendelenburg position, at 15 min after the induction of anaesthesia, 5 min and 45 min after abdominal insufflation and at 15 min after abdominal deflation. Tidal volume, respiratory rate, inspiratory flow and the fraction of inspired oxygen were similar in both groups and maintained constant during the procedure. We found that abdominal carbon dioxide insuffation caused: a reduction in compliance of the respiratory system (both lung and chest wall components) and of functional residual capacity; a marked increase in the maximum resistance of the respiratory system (mainly due to increases in the viscoelastic properties of the lung and chest wall); no change in oxygenation, but an increase in the end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (which was correlated closely with the arterial carbon dioxide tension). These changes were not affected by the duration of anaesthesia.