Functional residual capacity increase during laparoscopic surgery with abdominal wall lift

Abstract

The number of laparoscopic surgeries performed is increasing every year and in most cases the pneumoperitoneum method is used. One alternative is the abdominal wall lifting method and this study was undertaken to evaluate changes of functional residual capacity during the abdominal wall lift procedure. From January to April 2013, 20 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a single institution. All patients were anesthetized using propofol, remifentanil and rocuronium. FRC was measured automatically by Engstrom Carestation before the abdominal wall lift and again 15minutes after the start of the procedure. After abdominal wall lift, there was a significant increase in functional residual capacity values (before abdominal wall lift 1.48×103mL, after abdominal wall lift 1.64×103mL) (p<0.0001). No complications such as desaturation were observed in any patient during this study. Laparoscopic surgery with abdominal wall lift may be appropriate for patients who have risk factors such as obesity and respiratory disease.