Anaesthesia for laparoscopic general surgery

Laparoscopic surgery minimises postoperative morbidity. Patient benefits include reduction in postoperative pain, better cosmetic result and quicker return to normal activities. Hospital stay is shortened resulting in a reduction in overall medical cost. The intraoperative requirements of laparoscopic surgery however can lead to serious physiological changes and complications. While there is a low but definite perioperative mortality rate associated with minor gynaecologic laparoscopic procedures, laparoscopic general surgical procedures are performed on older patients and patients with acute surgical conditions and are likely to be associated with a higher incidence of perioperative complications. The major problems during laparoscopic surgery are related to the cardiopulmonary effects of pneumoperitoneum, systemic carbon dioxide absorption, extraperitoneal gas insufflation, venous gas embolism and unintentional injuries to intra-abdominal structures. An appraisal of the potential problems is essential for optimal anaesthetic care of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Appropriate anaesthetic techniques and monitoring facilitate surgery and allow early detection and reduction of complications. The need for rapid recovery and short hospital stay impose additional demands on the anaesthetist for skillful practice.