Hyperkalaemia associated with prolonged insufflation of carbon dioxide into the peritoneal cavity

We measured plasma potassium concentrations in five anaesthetized pigs over a 3.5 h period during which a carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was maintained. During this period the abdominal pressure was kept at 1.96 kPa and normocapnia was maintained by intermittent positive pressure ventilation. The potassium concentration was found to increase with time to a mean of 5.63 (SD 0.44) mmol litre-1. Consideration should be given to monitoring plasma potassium concentration in patients undergoing prolonged laparoscopic surgery.