Objective: This study investigated the influence of laparoscopic carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum on neonate circulation and respiration.
Methods: The study included neonates undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery. CO2 insufflation pressure was maintained within 8-14 mmHg for pneumoperitoneum creation. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (P ETCO2) and maximum inspiratory pressure were monitored continuously. Arterial blood samples were collected: 5 min before pneumoperitoneum creation (baseline); 5, 10, and 20 min after CO2 insufflation; 10 min after CO2 exsufflation; 10 min after surgery. pH, partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) were also measured.
Results: Thirty-six neonates were included. HR and MAP significantly increased after pneumoperitoneum creation, then decreased to baseline after CO2 exsufflation. PaCO2 and P ETCO2 were significantly higher after pneumoperitoneum creation, whereas pH was significantly lower 20 min after pneumoperitoneum creation compared with baseline. No significant differences were observed in SpO2 and SaO2.
Conclusion: CO2 pneumoperitoneum had a significant effect on neonatal circulation and respiration, suggesting that the pneumoperitoneal pressure should be limited within a certain range in neonates undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
Keywords: Neonate; circulation; laparoscopy; respiration.