Cerebral blood flow velocity alterations, under two different carbon dioxide management strategies, during sevoflurane anesthesia in gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

In this study, 33 female patients, scheduled for operative gynecological laparoscopies, were enrolled. Our aim was prospective, randomized comparison of the influence of two different management strategies, regarding end tidal CO2, on cerebral blood flow velocities and on pulsatility index, examined by means of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, under sevoflurane anesthesia 1.3 MAC: permissive hypercapnia (up to 45 mmHg, Group I, n = 17) versus intervention to ensure mild hypocapnia, (around 33 mmHg, Group II, n = 16). Baseline measurements of investigated parameters were recorded and CO2 insufflation started. In Group I no further adjustment was performed and CO2 partial pressure rose, while in Group II it was kept stable, by ventilatory patterns adjustment. Hemodynamic, acid base balance and cerebrovascular variables were recorded during pneumoperitoneum and in post-desufflation period, at eight checking time points. In Group I cerebral blood flow velocities increased according to CO2 elevation (2.3%-3.9% per mmHg of increase in CO2 partial pressure), whereas in Group II no significant alterations were noticed. Pulsatility index was constant over time without clinical differences between groups. Our study suggests that under sevoflurane anesthesia 1.3 MAC, prophylactic hyperventilation limits the cerebral blood flow velocities enhancing effect of CO2 insufflation, during laparoscopies.