Anesthesia for pediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We report the general anesthetic events and clinical concerns encountered with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a 19-month-old toddler. Carbon dioxide was insufflated to create a pneumoperitoneum, with resulting intra-abdominal pressures ranging from 5 to 11 mmHg. The end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PETCO2) rose as high as 48 mmHg (a 10 mmHg increase from baseline), requiring a 68% increase in minute ventilation to achieve preinsufflation values. Careful monitoring of ventilation, PETCO2, and intra-abdominal pressure are recommended for optimal anesthetic management of the pediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy patient.