Alternative insufflation gases for laparoscopic surgery

Funded Activity Summary

It is now recognised that laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for cancer can be associated with the spread of tumour to surgical wounds, i.e. port sites. However, whether this is more likely following laparoscopy than conventional open surgery is controversial. Isolated case reports and the recent results of experimental studies suggest that the problem is important. Previous studies suggest that carbon dioxide gas used to inflate the abdomen during laparoscopy may be the specific cause of this problem. A four to fivefold increase in the rate of cancer spread has been shown in previous experiments, and this can be reduced by using an inert gas such as helium. We propose to further investigate this issue using a combination of small and large animal models, and will also commence clinical trials of helium during clinical surgery. These studies aim will determine the gas of choice during laparoscopic surgery. They will also clarify advantages demonstrated for the use of helium in previous animal studies, and better investigate the safety of helium use. If our preliminary findings are supported by these studies, helium (or other inert gases) should be considered for routine use during clinical laparoscopy.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2001

End Date: 01-01-2003

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $227,036.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Surgery

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Cancer | Cancer spread following laparoscopy | Disturbances to the peritoneum during laparoscopy | Insufflation gas | Laparoscopic Surgery | Laparoscopy | Post-operative pain | Surgery

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