A Comparison between Volume - Controlled Ventilation and Pressure - Controlled Ventilation in Providing better Oxygenation in Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Dr Chukka Divya, Dr G. Vijaya Laxmi, Dr Madeti Gowtham

Abstract: Obesity is a well - established risk factor for cholelithiasis for which laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the routinely performed surgery. During laparoscopy the respiratory mechanics are affected by obesity and pneumoperitoneum, but vary little with body position. Hence maintenance of oxygenation is one of the main concern in the anaesthetic management of obese patients. There are no specific guidelines for selection of ventilatory modes in morbidly obese patients. Advancement in our understanding of pressure?volume curves and the recent demonstration of microscopic shear stress lung injury have changed the whole concept of safe range of pressure and volume in mechanical ventilation.

Keywords: Volume controlled ventilation, Pressure controlled ventilation, Peak airway pressure, Minute ventilation, obesity, laparoscopic cholecystectomy