High-intensity transient signals during laparoscopic surgery in children.

Background Laparoscopic interventions in children gain increasing popularity. Pneumoperitoneum as applied during laparoscopic surgery can induce gas emboli formation, but it is unclear whether this is associated with cerebral embolic events. To investigate the hypothesis that pneumoperitoneum causes cerebral emboli in children, the number and intensity of high-intensity transient signals (HITS) detected using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography were assessed before and after induction of pneumoperitoneum. Methods Twenty children were monitored during laparoscopic surgery. General anaesthesia was performed using sevoflurane and sufentanil or alfentanil. Pressure-controlled ventilation was a…