Utility of Flow Controlled Ventilation in Laparoscopic and Robotic Abdominal Surgery

Abstract

Use of Flow Controlled Ventilation (FCV) strategy for mechanical ventilation, has been well described with multiple benefits to patients such as better and more homogenous lung aeration, improved CO2 clearance and ventilator efficiency, reduced lung injury, and stable haemodynamics. However, till date no study has compared FCV with other conventional ventilator modes for use in patients during laparoscopic surgery or robotic abdominal surgery. In this chapter we examine the physiology of pneumo-peritoneum especially lung mechanics, ventilation and haemodynamics and try to describe the potential benefits and practical considerations of FCV in laparoscopic surgeries by extrapolating from information in existing studies.