Oxygen as an Insufflation Gas During Laparoscopy

Introduction: There are sudden and unreported deaths from laparoscopic procedures due to the side effects of CO2 insufflation, such as hypercarbia. Materials and Methods: In the last 10 years, 758 laparoscopy cases have been performed using oxygen as an insufflation gas instead of CO2. In a closed glass bottle, chicken meat placed over a cautery pad was cauterized under 100% oxygen, did not have any sparks or explosions, and a study was done before trying on humans. Results: Only 7 patients had peritonism, and the mortality rate was zero. Discussion: Oxygen is a medium and not a fuel, such as methane or hydrogen, and hence, it cannot burn by itself, leading to an explosion. Electrocautery can be used with O2, without risks. CO2 leads to hypercarbia, with risk to two extremes of age. Conclusion: The use of oxygen in Laparoscopy was safe and effective, even with the use of electrocautery.