CATECHOLAMINE RELEASE CAUSED BY CARBON-DIOXIDE INSUFFLATION DURING LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

Purpose: We evaluated plasma catecholamine levels during pneumoperiton eum in laparoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine were evaluated in 29 patients who underwent laparo scopic retroperitoneal surgery in a half lateral decubitus position (g roup 1) or laparoscopic varicocelectomy in a Trendelenburg position (g roup 2). Results: The levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine increas ed significantly 5 minutes after carbon dioxide insufflation compared to levels after Veress needle insertion and just before insufflation. The elevation of catecholamine levels during laparoscopic procedures w as greater in group 1. Conclusions: Our results indicate that carbon d ioxide insufflation may cause catecholamine release during laparoscopi c surgery. Careful monitoring of hemodynamics is mandatory at the begi nning of the procedure.