Intra‐ and Extraperitoneal Pressures

In order to determine the reliability of various methods of recording intraabdominal pressure, seven healthy women were investigated in connection with routine laparoscopy. Intraabdominal pressure was measured through a trochar in the gas‐filled abdomen. Intragastric pressure was measured with an air‐filled balloon, perivesical pressure through a catheter in the space of Retzius and intravesical pressure through a Foley catheter introduced via the urethra. With the urinary bladder empty, intraabdominal, perivesical and intravesical pressures did not differ. The intragastric pressure was somewhat higher than the other three pressures, possibly due to hydrostatic pressure effects from the viscera. In conclusion, if the bladder is empty, perivesical as well as intravesical pressure registration appears to be a useful method of fairly closely following the intraabdominal pressure in the supine position without perforating the peritoneum.