[Pain reduction after pelvi/-laparoscopic interventions by insufflation of CO2 gas at body temperature (Flow-Therme)]

Intraabdominal pain, shoulder pain and tachycardia are observed after pelviscopic interventions. Recent publications blame this on hypothermia caused by the CO2 gas used. The authors discuss in detail the physics of the problems connected with the heating of CO2 gas. The heating of carbon dioxide gas to 37 degrees C in the heating tube of the WISAP-Flow-Therme will not only reduce intra-operative hypothermia (down to 28 degrees C intra-abdominally and 34 degrees C in the rectum) but also the occurrence of tachycardia (reduced by 40% to 11%). Heating will also result in reduced CO2 consumption, which is also of ecological significance. As a result of the overall improvement of the female patients' perception of pain there is a significant reduction in postoperative palliative medication required by 31%. The physical laws and data permit fitting the WISAP Universal Flow Therme to all commercially available CO2 gas insufflators. The rinse water, as an additional factor causing hypothermia, should be preheated to 40 degrees C (WISAP water bath).