Effects of Low-Pressure CO₂ Insufflation on Cerebral and Splanchnic Oxygenation in Neonates Undergoing Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy

Abstract

Introduction

Pathophysiological effects of abdominal CO₂ insufflation on cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation in neonates and infants undergoing laparoscopy remain poorly investigated. We investigated laparoscopic pyloromyotomy as a paradigm to determine such changes in this specific population.

Material and Methods

Single-center, prospective cohort of 28 infants undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy at the mean age of 30.9 ± 10.6 days. The pneumoperitoneum was set at 6 to 8 mmHg. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (cSO₂) and splanchnic oxygen saturation (sSO₂) were measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. End-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) levels, heart rate, body temperature, systemic blood pressure, and urine output were also recorded. Data (mean ± SD) were collected intraoperatively at 0, 15, and 30 minutes and compared to baseline values for each patient using the t-test.

Results

A significant decrease in cSO₂ was recorded only at the beginning of surgery, while sSO₂ significantly decreased from 15 intraoperative minutes (−7.1% ± 7.2; p = 0.0009) until the end of insufflation, followed by an increasing trend, although still below the baseline values (−6.5% ± 11.2; p = 0.01). EtCO₂ increased significantly from the initial 15 intraoperative minutes, reaching a maximum of 42.6 ± 8.9 mmHg at 30-minute intervals. Urine output significantly decreased within the first 4 postoperative hours.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy using low-pressure CO₂ insufflation (6–8 mmHg) maintains stable cerebral oxygenation in neonates and infants, while splanchnic oxygenation and urine output experience temporary, reversible reductions. These findings suggest that low-pressure pneumoperitoneum is a safe and effective approach in neonatal laparoscopy, with minimal oxygenation and metabolic risks.

Keywords

hypertrophic pyloric stenosis - near-infrared spectroscopy - neonatal surgery - regional oxygen saturation

Publication History

Received: 15 July 2024

Accepted: 14 March 2025

Article published online:
15 April 2025

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