ELECTIVE INTRAOPERATIVE INTRACRANIAL-PRESSURE MONITORING DURING LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

The effects of artificial pneumoperitoneum on intracranial pressure ha ve not been clearly defined. Initial animal studies indicate that elev ated intra-abdominal pressure might have a deleterious effect on intra cranial pressure. We report a case in which intracranial pressure was monitored intraoperatively during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intrac ranial pressure increased abruptly when the peritoneal cavity was insu fflated, with the operating table in the Trendelenburg position, and d ecreased slightly with elevation of the head of the operating table. I nitial opening intracranial pressure values were re-established on des ufflation of the abdomen. Intracranial pressure monitoring should be c onsidered when planning a laparoscopic procedure on patients with the potential for decreased intracranial compliance.