[Severe subcutaneous emphysema and hypercapnia during laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

A 41-year old, 50 kg female was scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental 250 mg IV and endotracheal intubation was performed using succinylcholine 60 mg IV. Anesthesia was maintained with N2O (67%)-oxygen-sevoflurane (1.5-2%) and pancuronium was used for muscle relaxation. The lungs were mechanically ventilated with TV 500 ml and RR 12.min-1. Immediately after the start of incision, PECO2 was 30 mmHg. But about thirty minutes after introducing carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, subcutaneous emphysema and high PECO2 (60 mmHg) were noted and arterial blood gas analysis showed PaCO2 63.2 mmHg, PaO2 135.4 mmHg and pH 7.32. Generally in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, subcutaneous emphysema is more common than in gynecologic laparoscopy and especially with severe subcutaneous emphysema, there is a risk of hypercapnia. This is because carbon dioxide in subcutaneous tissue is more absorbable than that in peritoneal cavity. As carbon dioxide in subcutaneous tissue is absorbed continuously after the operation, the patient should be carefully observed postoperatively.