The use of chest band to prevent CO(2) subcutaneous emphysema expansion -Two case reports-.

CO(2) subcutaneous emphysema is one of the complications of laparoscopic surgery using CO(2) gas. During laparoscopic surgery, CO(2) gas can spread to the entire body surface through the subcutaneous tissue layer. Extensive CO(2) subcutaneous emphysema results in hypercarbia and acute respiratory acidosis. Hypercarbia and acidosis can lead to decreased cardiac contractility and arrhythmia. A cloth band, 5 cm in width and 120 cm in length, was made with Velcro tape at both tips, and placed on the patient's xyphoid process level and inframammary fold to prevent CO(2) subcutaneous emphysema. This report describes two successful cases using a chest band to prevent the expansion of CO(2) subcutaneous emphysema.