Randomized comparison of the neuroendocrine response to laparoscopic cholecystectomy using either conventional or abdominal wall lift techniques.

Increase in plasma renin activity and noradrenaline concentration occur in response to carbon dioxide insufflation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In a randomized study the conventional carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was compared with the abdominal wall lift method for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with special reference to neuroendocrine changes and renal function. The total mean(s.d.) volume of carbon dioxide insufflated was 42(23) litres with the conventional method and 9(7) litres with abdominal wall lift (P < 0.001). Mean(s.d.) intra-abdominal pressure after 15 min of insufflation was 11(2) and 3(9) mmHg respectively (P < 0.01). In the conventional group mean(s.d.) plasma renin activity increased slightly from 5.5(2.1) to 6.1(2.0) ng ml-1 during the first 55 min of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the abdominal wall lift group plasma renin activity decreased from 5.3(2.7) to 3.8(0.9) ng ml (P < 0.01 between the groups). Plasma antidiuretic hormone concentration increased similarly in both groups. Diuresis was significantly less with conventional pneumoperitoneum during the first 35 min of the operation compared with the abdominal wall lift method (P < 0.001). There were significant increases in plasma noradrenaline concentration in both groups (P < 0.001), but the increase was slightly higher in the conventional group during the first 15 min of insufflation. The abdominal wall lift method with minimal carbon dioxide insufflation was associated with smaller neuroendocrine responses and better preservation of renal function compared with conventional carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum.