Does splanchnic ischemia occur during laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND

Although it has been been shown that the elevation of abdominal pressure causes splanchnic ischemia, the pathophysiological changes that occur during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are still under investigation. Our aim was to evaluate the changes in nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) during laparoscopic surgery to verify whether splanchnic ischemia had occurred.

METHODS

Forty patients (11 men and 29 women) scheduled for cholecystectomy were randomly divided to undergo either open (OC) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Repeated blood samples were collected for the measurement of NO and MDA concentrations. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels were measured using a capnograph, and pHi was assessed using a tonometric nasogastric catheter.

RESULTS

Although no significant change in pH was observed in the LC group during the procedure, it decreased significantly in the OC group and then returned to normal immediately after the procedure. ETCO2 did not change in the LC group but it increased in the OC group. Although it was not statistically significant, NO concentrations were slightly increased in the LC group. The same magnitude of increase was seen in MDA levels but it was not significant. Neither NO nor MDA levels changed in the OC group.

CONCLUSION

LC has no adverse effects on gut perfusion. Even if the abdominal organs are hypoperfused during the procedure, compensates for this hypoperfusion so that it pulsatile NO secretion does not cause any harm. Since LC is a short procedure, the significance of these events for extended procedures still needs to be clarified.