The recovery of gases insufflated at laparoscopy.

The recovery of gases used for insufflation at gynaecological laparoscopy was investigated in 163 women who were randomly allocated to receive insufflation with nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide, the two most commonly used gases. No difference was detected and since nitrous oxide has dangerous side effects, the use of carbon dioxide is recommended. Methods of enhancing the recovery of gas were then investigated in a further 207 women, treatment being allocated in a random fashion. No merit was found in the use of these techniques and they have been abandoned.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes