Low vs Medium Pressure Pneumoperitoneum

Postoperative Pain in Children After Low-Pressure Versus Medium-Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Surgery

The purpose of this study is to asses whether the pressure used for the pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery in children affects their postoperative pain levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Prepped and consented for diagnostic laparoscopy for likely acute appendicitis
• 5 years or older
• 15 kg or more
• Parents/legal custodian give consent, patient shows no signs of unwillingness to participate
• Patient is hemodynamically stable

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical signs of four quadrant peritonitis as a clinical sign of perforated appendicitis
• Suspected perityphlitic abscess on preoperative ultrasound
• Preexisting conditions making postoperative assessment of extent of pain and its localization very difficult or impossible, e.g. conditions that are associated with pronounced developmental delays or with communication difficulties
• Parents have inadequate knowledge of German language to understand Informed consent
• Child has inadequate knowledge of German language to allow elicitation of Pain Scores