PNEUMOPERITONEUM-INDUCED PHYSIOLOGICAL-CH ANGES AND ADVERSE EVENTS DURING LAPAROSCOPY

Laparoscopy usually requires injection of a gas in the peritoneal cavi ty to improve visualization of abdominal organs and maintain an adequa te operative field. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used in most instances. Ad verse effects include alterations in the acid-base balance, in blood g as levels, and in cardiovascular and respiratory function. Pneumoperit oneum-induced physiological changes are reviewed herein with the goal of identifying factors associated with an increased risk of complicati ons. Suspension systems have been developed that are an attractive alt ernative to the introduction of gas.