Inclusion of ethyl nitrite in the insufflating gas can obviate the decreased tissue perfusion caused by prolonged carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum

Introduction: Prolonged periods of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum (CO2-PNP) may produce intra-abdominal tissue ischemia and subsequent post-operative organ dysfunction. In a preliminary study we recently determined that ethyl nitrite (ENO), a nitric oxide congener, could improve liver blood flow during insufflation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability of ENO to attenuate the reduced tissue perfusion produced by prolonged CO2-PNP.