A Comparative Study of Pulmonary Function Test in Laparotomyand Laparoscopic Surgeries

Background and Aims- Respiratory complications account to majority of post-operative outcomes after abdominal surgeries. Data on exact prevalence and probability after different surgeries is scanty. Aim of our study is to evaluate pre and post operative differences objectively by using spirometry in patients undergoing upper abdominal laparoscopic and laparotomy surgeries. Methods- Seventy-one patients consecutively undergoing surgeries were enrolled, of which 36 underwent laparoscopic and rest open laparotomy. Patients were subjected to spirometry pre and post operatively, and FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, VC were calculated. This cross sectional data was analysed using paired “t” test, Students “t” test and Chi square. Results- Preoperative FEV1,ERV, TLC, PEFR were significantly better in laparotomy than laparoscopic group (p value <0.05). Age, sex and BMI were not significant determinants. Post operatively the laparoscopic group had better outcomes than laparotomy group. The exact mechanisms were not known but minimal scar length, lesser damage to diaphragm and muscles, younger age of patients in laparoscopic group and early postoperative rehabilitation could be possible explanations Conclusions- Present study demonstrates that laparoscopic surgeries has less adverse effects on postoperative pulmonary function than laparotomy surgeries. This may correlate with lower post op respiratory complications in laparoscopy group