Persistent occurrence of bradycardia during laparoscopic cholecystectomies in low-risk patients

A debate has arisen about the use of carbon dioxide to distend the abdomen because of certain negative effects on venous return to the heart, and declining cardiac output. We previously reported 4 cases of bradycardia that occurred during 725 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Now, we describe 6 cases of bradycardia that occurred in a 1-year period (May 31, 1997 to June 1, 1998) during CO(2) pneumoinsufflation at the beginning of planned, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies. These patients appeared not to be at any special cardiac risk. To determine the frequency, and possible underlying common denominators, we reviewed the laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

We completely reviewed the patients' records to find any common denominators. Also, we calculated the frequency of bradycardia during laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

Six patients experienced bradycardia during laparoscopic cholecystectomies. None had known cardiac disease or symptoms. These cases occurred during the year's 127 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (4.7% approximately). There were no common denominators between the patients.

Although cardiac changes were noted during laparoscopic gynecologic surgery approximately 20 years ago, only in the last few years have cardiovascular changes been noted during laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Surgeons should be prepared to encounter such cardiovascular changes even with low-risk patients as it appears that bradycardia is a persistent occurrence during laparoscopic cholecystectomies.