Pneumoperitoneum and acidosis during arthroscopy with CO2.

Two cases of knee arthroscopy are reported in which the patient sustained both pneumoperitoneum and acidosis. In each case, a pump was used to maintain a set intraarticular pressure of CO2. In neither case was the pneumatic tourniquet inflated. The conclusion is drawn that, to avoid these two complications, arthroscopists should routinely exsanguinate the extremity and inflate the pneumatic tourniquet when using this type of pump.