Changes in urinary output and electrolytes during gaseous and gasless laparoscopy

Abstract

Urological laparoscopy has gained increasing acceptance recently. Alterations in renal water and electrolyte homeostasis by carbon dioxide peritoneal insufflation, retroperitoneal insufflation and abdominal wall lifting were measured in 30 well-hydrated pigs over a 2-h period. Oliguria was observed after gaseous insufflation but not after lifting the abdominal wall. Return to normal urinary output was observed at 30 min after release of pneumoretroperitoneum, and 60 min after pneumoperitoneum. Creatinine clearance declined, while the clearance rates of potassium, sodium and urea remained unchanged during peritoneal and retroperitoneal insufflation. An elevated serum aldosterone concentration was found which may mediate the increased urinary excretion of potassium and decreased urinary excretion of sodium found during peritoneal insufflation. Renal function remained stable, despite an elevation of serum creatine kinase being elicited after lifting the abdominal wall. In conclusion, significant changes in water and electrolyte homeostasis occurred during gaseous, not gasless, laparoscopy in pigs.