Pulmonary function tests before and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Pulmonary function tests were performed in 22 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Measurements were made before, 24 h after, and 6 weeks after operation (12 patients). At 24 h postoperatively there were significant decreases in forced expiratory volume in 1 s, vital capacity, functional residual capacity and total lung capacity to 75% (p < 0.001), 73% (p < 0.001), 92% (p = 0.002) and 83% (p < 0.001) of pre-operative values respectively. Inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures decreased to 66% (p < 0.001) and 63% (p < 0.001) of the pre-operative pressures respectively. There was a reduction in PaO2 (p < 0.01) and an increase in alveolar-arterial gradient (p < 0.001) but no change in PaCO2 at 24 h. The pulmonary function tests measured in the patients who returned after 6 weeks had returned to pre-operative values.