Effects of Different Peep Applications on Tissue Oxygenation, Respiratory Mechanics and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Operations

Effects of Different Peep Applications on Tissue Oxygenation, Respiratory Mechanics and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Operations

This study aims to compare the effects of two different PEEP levels (5 cmH₂O and 10 cmH₂O) during laparoscopic hysterectomy on perioperative tissue and cerebral oxygenation, respiratory mechanics, and postoperative pulmonary complications.

Laparoscopic surgery is frequently performed today due to its rapid recovery, short hospital stay, minimal incisions, and minimal postoperative pain. Despite these advantages of laparoscopic hysterectomy, the patient's Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum can cause abdominal organs to shift to the diaphragm, decrease lung compliance, atelectasis, and ultimately compromise respiratory function and mechanics. Tissue hypoxia occurs, affecting cerebral perfusion. Consequently, these patients are prone to perioperative hypoxemia and postoperative pulmonary complications. PEEP can improve arterial oxygenation and reduce atelectasis. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of PEEP in terms of perioperative tissue oxygenation, cerebral perfusion, respiratory mechanics, and postoperative pulmonary complications.

The study was planned to include 64 patients aged 18-75 years, with ASA status I-III, who provided informed consent and were undergoing elective laparoscopic hysterectomy. The patients were randomized into two groups: one with PEEP 5 cmH₂O and the other with PEEP 10 cmH₂O. The aim was to compare the two groups' hemodynamic variables, NIRS values, peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), plateau pressure (Pplato), mean airway pressure (Pmean), end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂), driving pressure, serum lactate, partial arterial oxygen (PaO2), and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels, recorded after intubation, 30 minutes after pneumoperitoneum, and 15 minutes after desufflation. The ARISCAT score was used to assess the risk of any postoperative pulmonary complications.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The study group included patients aged 18-70 years with ASA physical status I-III who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic hysterectomy under general anesthesia between November 1, 2023 and February 15, 2024 and who gave informed consent for participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous history of pneumothorax
• ASA IV classification
• Significant pulmonary impairment (moderate/severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, etc.)
• Active upper respiratory tract infection or recurrent respiratory infections requiring recent antibiotic treatment
• Severe systemic diseases
• Heavy smoking (≥20 pack-years)
• Emergency surgical cases
• Failure to provide written informed consent for any reason
• Contraindications to PEEP application