[Hemodynamic monitoring using esophageal Doppler ultrasonography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

To evaluate the use of a 4-mHz continuous wave esophageal Doppler monitor in the hemodynamic management of 48 ASA I to III patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

General anesthesia was induced with fentanyl and propofol, maintained with N20 N20/02 and muscle relaxation was provided with atracurium. The lungs were mechanically ventilated. Non invasive arterial blood pressure, heart rate, capnography, arterial blood gas were monitored during CO2 pneumoperitoneum at 15-mmHg. Using the velocity waveform of descending aortic blood flow, the Doppler device estimated changes in cardiac output and systemic vascular resistances.

Peritoneal insufflation resulted in a mean 19% decrease in cardiac output (range -49 to +5%; P < 0.05) and a mean 48% increased in systemic vascular resistances (range -7 to +101%; P < 0.01). There was no relationship between changes in cardiac output and mean arterial pressure or PETCO2. The esophageal Doppler provided, in two patients, details of hypertensive peaks (mean arterial pressure > 140 mmHg) which responded to administration of nicardipine.

The Esophageal Doppler provided an easy-to-handle and non invasive tool to monitor changes in cardiac output during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, further comparison with a thermodilution cardiac output technique is required.