Carbon dioxide toxicity related to a laparoscopic procedure

Laparoscopy has become a routine part of many major and minor surgical procedures. During laparoscopic procedures, carbon dioxide (CO2) is insufflated into the peritoneal cavity to allow visualization of the abdominal viscera. Delay in the elimination of CO2 during the intraoperative and postoperative phases of a laparoscopic procedure has recently been identified. This case study discusses a patient with CO2 toxicity related to the insufflation of CO2 during a laparoscopic procedure. Nurses in the PACU must be alert to the signs of CO2 toxicity after a laparoscopic procedure and be able to correctly interpret arterial blood gases.