Hypoxemia during diagnostic laparoscopy: a prospective study,☆☆,

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Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic liver biopsy can be safely performed using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, but the frequency of hypoxemia is unknown. Methods: We prospectively studied 68 patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy and liver biopsy managed by a standard protocol. Results: The mean duration of laparoscopy was 27 ± 5.53 minutes; the mean dose of diamorphine administered was 6.9 ± 2.7 mg; diazepam, 7.05 ± 3.52 mg. The baseline arterial oxygen saturation was 95.6% ± 2.5% and trough was 85% ± 5.1%. A fall of greater than 4% saturation from the baseline occurred in 64 out of 68 patients (94%). The mean decrease in saturation was 10.1% ± 5.4%. An arterial oxygen saturation of less than 85% was seen in 32 patients (47%). There was no correlation between the fall in oxygen saturation and the dose of diamorphine or diazepam, the duration of procedure, body mass index, hemoglobin, or volume of pneumoperitoneum induced. One-way analysis of the variance failed to show a significant relationship between the degree of oxygen saturation and Child's class, etiology of liver disease, or smoking habit. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that significant desaturation is common in diagnostic laparoscopy with liver biopsy and is likely due to a combination of different pharmacologic and physiologic effects. We recommend continuous monitoring of both arterial oxygen saturation and supplemental oxygen for all patients throughout laparoscopy. (Gastrointest Endosc 1996;44:124-8.)

Section snippets

Study population

Sixty-eight consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy and liver biopsy were studied. Indications for laparoscopy included abnormal liver biochemistry, abnormal radiologic investigations, and assessment of chronic liver disease. Patients with severe cardiorespiratory or cerebrovascular disease were excluded from selection for the procedure.

Laparoscopy

After an overnight fast, all subjects underwent laparoscopy in the recumbant position, breathing room air. Premedication consisted of intravenous

RESULTS

The mean age of the 68 patients (46 men, 22 women) was 50.8 ± 15.4 years. The mean duration of laparoscopy was 27.11 ± 5.53 minutes (from infiltration of local anesthetic to suturing). The mean dose of diamorphine administered was 6.9 ± 2.7 mg; and diazepam, 7.05 ± 3.5 mg (Table 1).

The mean baseline SaO2 was 95.6% ± 2.5% and the mean trough was 85.5% ± 5.1%. A fall of greater than 4% saturation from the baseline occurred in 64 out of 68 patients (94%); the mean decrease in saturation was

DISCUSSION

Laparoscopic liver biopsy performed with local anaesthesia using intravenous sedation is safe and comfortable for patients and is associated with low morbidity and mortality. There is, however, no uniform consensus regarding the appropriate degree of monitoring of patients required. Knowledge of risk factors for arterial desaturation would help identify groups requiring monitoring and supplemental oxygen during the procedure.

This study demonstrates that a reduction in arterial oxygen saturation

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    From the Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

    ☆☆

    Reprint requests: Dr. Geoffrey H. Haydon, Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 1, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, U.K.

    37/1/70039

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