Carbon Dioxide vs Air in Pneumoperitoneum
Abstract
Abstract To the Editor.—Astudillo et al1 recently reported that pneumoperitoneum is a valuable adjunct as a preparatory technique prior to repair of ventral hernias. However, the use of air for this procedure should be regarded with unease. Reports of air embolism from the introduction of air into the peritoneum, either diagnostically or surreptitiously, has the potential for a fatal outcome. Carbon dioxide has been used for more recent diagnostic procedures, such as laparoscopy, and...