Effect of Different Carbon Dioxide Pressure Gradients in Capnoperitoneum for Laparoscopic Examination in Dogs

Eighteen female mongrel bitches, equally divided into three groups (A, B and C) were subjected to CO2 insufflation at 6, 10 and 14 mm Hg pressure gradient respectively to study the physiological changes of capnoperitoneum during laparoscopy. Optimum visualization of internal organs during laparoscopy was achieved at 10 and 14 mm Hg of CO2 pressure gradient. The physiological effects were more pronounced at 14 mm Hg of CO2 pressure gradient. Marked increase of respiration rate in correlation with increased pCO2 and decreased pO2 was observed in the group C. Bradyarrhythmia was observed in all three groups, however, myocardial ischemia or hypoxia as reflected through S-T segment depression and elevation was more pronounced in 14 mm Hg of CO2 pressure gradient (group C). Alteration of liver function was within the physiological range in the animals of all the three groups. Physiological stress was remained significantly higher with 14 mm Hg intra-abdominal pressure. In conclusion, 10 mm Hg of CO2 was found most suitable pressure gradient for laparoscopic examination in dogs.