Changes in respiratory mechanics during abdominal laparoscopic surgery in children

We designed this study in or der to measure the changes in respiratory mech anics during laparoscopic surgery in children. Ventilation parameters (Flow (Vi) and Peak Pressure (Pmax)) were measured and total respiratory system mechanics (resistance (Rrs) and compliance(Crs)) were derived using multipl e linear regression analysis in 11 children aged 8 months to 11 years. The Pmax increased by 26.6% and the Rrs increased by 20.2% whilst the Crs d ecreased by 38.9% after pneumoperitoneum. These findings suggest that clini cally important changes in respiratory mechanics occur as a result of the p neumoperitoneum produced during abdominal laparoscopic surgery.