Positive end-expiratory pressure does not decrease cardiac output during laparoscopic liver surgery

Background Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has beneficial pulmonary effects but may worsen the hemodynamic repercussions induced by pneumoperitoneum (PNP) in patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection. However, by increasing intraluminal vena cava (VC) pressures, PEEP may prevent PNP-induced VC collapse. The aim of this study was to test the validity of this hypothesis. Methods After IRB approval and written informed consent, 20 patients were evaluated prospectively. Measurements were performed before and after the application of 10 cmH 2 O PEEP on patients without PNP (Control group) and during a 12 cmH 2 0 PNP. Results are provided as means [95%CI]. Comparison used paired-sample t test. Results PEEP induced a decrease in CI in Control subgroup (2.3 [2.0–2.6] and 2.1 [1.8–2.4] l min −1 m −2 before and after PEEP. P Conclusion The application of PEEP on a pre-established PNP during laparoscopic liver resection in normovolemic patients did not decrease CI. Analysis of transmural VC pressure variations confirms that the addition of PEEP may prevent the vena caval collapse induced by PNP.