Ultrasound-Guided Puncture Pneumoperitoneum for Laparoscopy. Pilot Study of a New Technique in an Animal Model

All forms of access to the peritoneal cavity in laparoscopy could damage intra-abdominal structures. Currently, ultrasound (USG) is being used in several procedures to guide needles: breast biopsy, central venous access puncture, anesthetic nerve blocks, etc. Therefore, this research seeks to verify the feasibility and viability of performing pneumoperitoneum using USG-guided puncture in a pilot study using a porcine model.

The cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 10 anesthetized sows in the IRCAD-América Latina Barretos Unit laboratory. The experiment consisted of an abdominal puncture guided by USG with a linear transducer to create the pneumoperitoneum. After the puncture, the drop test was performed, and CO2 was insufflated into the cavity. Subsequently, a 10mm trocar was introduced to insert the optic. The parameters from the USG were the thickness of the abdominal wall layers, intraperitoneal needle measurement, drop test, and the presence of complications.

The average measurement of the layers was 0.45 centimeters of subcutaneous tissue, 0.67 centimeters of muscle, and 0.15 centimeters of peritoneum. The mean measurement of the intraperitoneal needle was 1.17cm. Furthermore, the drop test was positive in 100% of cases, and there was no bleeding or lesions on any attempt.

Ultrasound-guided pneumoperitoneum is feasible and safe in the porcine model. The subcutaneous, muscular, and peritoneum layers are identifiable and measurable in this model. Subsequent studies are necessary to verify the importance of this new procedure.