Clinical Research Directory

Pneumoperitoneum Pressure and Lung Ultrasound Atelectasis

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy may lead to perioperative atelectasis due to pneumoperitoneum-related diaphragmatic elevation and impaired respiratory mechanics. Lung ultrasound (LUS) provides a noninvasive bedside method for evaluating perioperative aeration loss. This prospective randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of low-pressure (10 mmHg) and standard-pressure (14 mmHg) pneumoperitoneum on perioperative atelectasis assessed by LUS in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Changes in LUS scores, respiratory mechanics, oxygenation, and postoperative clinical outcomes will also be evaluated.

Maneuvers to Reduce Laparoscopic Pain

Laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized surgical care by reducing morbidity and improving post operative recovery. Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of carbon dioxide for insufflation to achieve optimal visualization. There is literature that demonstrates higher insufflation pressures being associated with increased postoperative pain - particularly shoulder pain - and opioid use1-3. The ideal amount of intraperitoneal pressure is still under debate as other studies demonstrate that reduced pneumoperitoneum insufflation has also shown to negatively impact surgeon satisfaction and trended with longer operative time and greater blood loss without impacting pain4. Residual intraperitoneal carbon dioxide can also contribute to postoperative discomfort. Studies have shown the effectiveness of various maneuvers in removing residual gas to reduce postoperative pain, such as intraperitoneal saline instillation5, pulmonary recruitment6,7, and gas aspiration via smoke evauator8. Despite these advantages, there is a lack of a clear consensus on the optimal method for reducing residual intraperitoneal gas. Conversely, literature has mixed results regarding the true significance in pain reduction3,5,9. Given the importance of minimizing postoperative pain, reducing opioid requirements, and shortening postoperative recovery time, we propose a prospective, patient-blinded, randomized controlled trial. We aim to investigate whether active gas removal via a smoke evacuator, multiple breath recruitment maneuvers, or no intervention would contribute to lowest postoperative pain. We hope our findings will help identify the most effective method for reducing residual pneumoperitoneum-related pain and thus inform surgical practices and improve patient outcomes.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Moderate vs Deep Neuromuscular Blockade During Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

The proposed study aims to assess the effect of different levels of muscle relaxation on the success of low-pressure insufflation, surgical conditions and patient recovery following laparoscopic repair of a ventral hernia (VHR) between 2 and 10cm in diameter. Patients will be randomized to moderate (TOF 1-2) or deep (post tetanic count 1-2) relaxation. Specific Aim 1. Compare two different modes of neuromuscular blockade (moderate and deep) on the ability to maintain low insufflation pressure during laparoscopic VHR. All procedures will start with low-pressure insufflation (8 mm Hg). Surgeon assessment of the conditions will be serially performed during surgery on an established visual scale. If conditions are deemed less than adequate (score 1-2), insufflation pressure will incrementally increase up to 15 mm Hg. Outcome for this specific aim will be the mean insufflation pressure during each procedure, and the ability to perform low-pressure laparoscopic VHR. Specific Aim 2. Evaluate the success of moderate neuromuscular blockade on the ability to maintain good conditions (visual scale grade 4 or 5) for each. Surgical conditions will be considered successful when scores are maintained at 4 or 5 throughout the duration of the procedure. Outcome for this aim will be the mean score for surgical condition assessment for each procedure, using a previously published surgeon-driven scoring system (score 4-5 will be used as a surrogate of good visualization). Specific Aim 3. Assess patient recovery with low and high insufflation pressures during laparoscopic VHR. Patient overall satisfaction with recovery, pain level, pain medication requirement, PONV incidence and severity will be assessed in multiple time points following surgery. Outcomes for this aim will be mean pain (visual scale), PONV severity (analogue score) and incidence (binary outcome), and patient satisfaction using the QoR-15 survey. Assessments will be performed at 30 minutes, 1, 12 and 24 hours following surgery.

Study of the Relationship Between Curarization and Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Surgery

The number of surgical procedures is increasing worldwide (1). Laparoscopic surgery is one of the surgical techniques that has become indispensable. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive than laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery is performed in several stages, one of which involves the creation of a peritoneal detachment. This detachment is achieved by the addition of a gas (CO2), which requires total relaxation of the abdominal muscle fibers. To achieve this, it is advisable to administer a muscle relaxant called curare (2). Curare-induced neuromuscular block, its depth and its release must be monitored during surgery. Curares act as acetylcholine antagonists, inducing neuromuscular block by competing with this neurotransmitter. In France, only one type of device, called an accelerometer, is used to monitor curarization. This device couples electrical stimulation of a nerve with an accelerometer. Curarization can be said to be deep, moderate, residual or absent. Despite curarization appearing deep to the accelerometer, operating conditions do not always seem ideal for abdominal contraction. Indeed, the muscles tested with this device do not concern the muscles involved in laparoscopic surgery. A currently unexploited surgical parameter, variation in insufflation pressure, could change our approach to intraoperative curarization.

Role of Individualized PEEP Vs Fixed PEEP in Mechanical Ventilation During Laparoscopic Surgeries

To compare the effects of Individualized positive end-expiratory pressure with recruitment maneuver on respiratory parameters and oxygenation in mechanical ventilation during laparoscopic surgeries with the fixed positive end-expiratory pressure and conventional mechanical ventilation without positive end-expiratory pressure.

Predictors of Postoperative Complications in Surgery With Pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg Position

Evaluate early postoperative complications after surgery in Trendelenburg position with increased intraabdominal pressure (surgery with pneumoperitoneum). Evaluate the relationship between hemodynamic and metabolic changes on perioperative outcome.

Low Pressure Pneumoperitoneum Using AirSeal® for Reduction in Postoperative Shoulder Pain Following Robot Assisted Hiatal Hernia Repair

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the incidence and severity of post-operative shoulder pain following elective robot-assisted hiatal hernia repair in hopes of reducing pain and associated costs as well as clinic and emergency department visits due to this pain. You will undergo standard robot-assisted hiatal hernia repair with the standard postoperative care. The only difference is that you may be selected for the group where lower pressures used to fill your abdomen with carbon dioxide will be used, and you will be asked to fill out logs regarding your pain postoperatively. You will have postoperative appointments that are standard following this procedure.

Comparison Between Low Pressure Pneumoperitoneum with High Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Post-operative Pain, Shoulder Tip Pain and Common Bile Duct Injuries in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This study aims to address the existing gap in knowledge by conducting a comprehensive comparison of the incidence of pain and common bile duct injuries in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using Low pressure pneumoperitoneum versus high pressure pneumoperitoneum.

Ultrasonography Guided Pneumoperitoneum for Laparoscopic Surgery in Morbidly Obese Patients

Bariatric Surgery for morbid obesity is indicated when BMI \> 40 kg/m2 without comorbidities or BMI \> 35 kg/m2 with co-morbidities. Different surgeries performed for obesity are classified as restrictive, malabsorptive, and hybrid procedures. Because laparoscopic surgery has increased the interest and growth of bariatric surgery, soaring demand for laparoscopic bariatric surgery from patients has boosted the boom in bariatric surgery worldwide. Achieving pneumoperitoneum is the initial and one of the most crucial steps in any laparoscopic surgery, giving the surgeon working space to operate on a particular organ/organ system. Usually, pneumoperitoneum is achieved either by a closed technique with a veress needle or an open technique with many variations like finger assisted or the conventional open technique. Given the excess amount of subcutaneous fat in morbidly obese patients, putting a veress needle to achieve pneumoperitoneum successfully is particularly challenging which takes a toll on the operating surgeon when he/she is trying to locate the midline one can either overshoot to cause omental emphysema or undershoot getting lost in the subcutaneous fat. It is usually done in the supra umbilical area. Sometimes, due to previous surgical scars other sites are preferred. Sonography is routinely used by radiologists with negligible radiation exposure. Anesthesiologists in the operating room have used it for many assisted procedures like central line insertion / giving nerve blocks. It can also be used in obese patients undergoing metabolic surgery to assist in creating pneumoperitoneum by a veress needle. Advantages of Intraoperative ultrasonography in this particular study : 1. To quantify the thickness of subcutaneous fat 2. To visualise the linea alba and guide the veress needle safely into the peritoneal cavity 3. Real-time visualisation of the pneumoperitoneum created 4. Avoid complications like omental emphysema, bowel or vascular injury