The interaction between increased Intra Abdominal Pressure (IAP) and Intrathoracic Pressure under different Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) levels is intriguing, since these two conditions coexist frequently in several clinical settings. The aim of our study was to investigate the interaction between different PEEP levels and increased IAP during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In fifty two patients, who underwent scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomy, cardiovascular parameters were determined by an Oesophageal Doppler Monitor device during two different time periods, before and after pneumoperitoneum, and under five conditions: (i) PEEP 0 cmH2O (ii) PEEP 5cm H2O (iii) PEEP 10cm H2O (iv) PEEP 15cm H2O and (v) in the absence of PEEP or ventilation. Cardiac output and stroke volume showed a statistically significant decrease compared to the baseline value after the application of different PEEP levels, when there was no pneumoperitoneum (p<0.05). However, both parameters increased, when PEEP and pneumoperitoneum were applied together (p<0.001). Corrected flow time, peak flow velocity in the descending thoracic aorta and mean acceleration showed similar alterations but not at all PEEP levels. Finally, αt the no PEEP or ventilation phase, the negative effects of increased IAP on the cardiocirculatory function were predominant. According to these results, application of PEEP seems to counterbalance the negative hemodynamic effects of increased IAP. Moreover, it could also be concluded that ‘ideal’ PEEP level might be the one that borders the IAP level, since the best cardiac output and stroke volume values were reported at that point.
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Postoperative pain management has become pre-requisite for early recovery after laparoscopic chole-cystectomy and the ideal management of it is definitely multimodal due to the complexity of its na-ture. Many analgesic approaches have already been tested to relieve pain after laparoscopic cholecys-tectomy and anticonvulsants drugs, like pregabalin and gabapentin might be useful and effec-tive.Pregabalin is an antiepileptic drug that is often used to treat neuropathic pain. The use of pre-gabalin as part of multimodal analgesia is still under evaluation and may have a role in the postopera-tive management, as an adjunct. Several studies have evaluated the efficacy and adverse effects of pregabalin in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption.In this review, we discuss the role of pregabalin in acute postoperative management after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Based on avail-able clinical trials it is difficult to draw solid conclusions. More studies and especially well designed clinical trials are required in order to clarify the optimal dose and the duration of therapy before adopt-ing pregabalin in routine clinical practice.
Continue readingThe aim of this case report is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of Continuous Spinal Anesthesia (CSA) in an elderly patient with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), who was scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.CSA can be used to provide a sufficient block in order to allow laparoscopic cholecystectomy to be performed even in patients with severely abnormal respiratory function. Safety, efficacy and a decreased need for postoperative analgesia render this approach a valid option for patients with symptomatic gallstone disease, who are poor candidates for general anesthesia due to cardiorespiratory or airway problems as well as for patients with other contraindications for general anesthesia.
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