Optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) settings in differential lung ventilation during simultaneous unilateral pneumothorax and laparoscopy: an experimental study in pigs.
BACKGROUND
A combined thoraco-laparoscopic technique for esophageal resection is technically possible, but it requires special attention to ventilation. The positive insufflation pressure normally used in laparoscopy will, when communication between thorax and abdomen is established, create a pneumothorax.


METHODS
We performed an experimental study of differential lung ventilation with different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) settings during thoraco-laparoscopy in anesthetized pigs.


RESULTS
Positive pressure insufflation of carbon dioxide (CO2) resulted in elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, hypercarbia, and respiratory acidosis. Hypoxemia, however, developed only at lower settings of PEEP. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and cardiac output remained relatively stable.


CONCLUSIONS
Pneumopleuroperitoneum under positive CO2 insufflation pressure had adverse effects on blood gases. Hypercarbia, respiratory acidosis, and hypoxemia were early manifestations that occurred even in the presence of hemodynamic stability. The application of PEEP equal to or above CO2 insufflation pressure improved blood gases; in particular, the hypoxia could be avoided. No beneficial effects of differential lung ventilation were documented.
Sandbu
R
R
Department of Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. rune.sandbu@zeta.telenordia.se
Birgisdottir
B
B
Arvidsson
D
D
Sjöstrand
U
U
Rubertsson
S
S
D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006935:Hypercapnia / Q000209:etiology; D007327:Insufflation / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011031:Pneumothorax, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000379:methods*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D011669:Pulmonary Wedge Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D013552:Swine
D002245:Carbon Dioxide