Author Response To: Comment On: Effect Of An Individualized Versus Standard Pneumoperitoneum Pressure Strategy On Postoperative Recovery: A Randomized Clinical Trial In Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Background It remains uncertain whether individualization of pneumoperitoneum pressures during laparoscopic surgery improves postoperative recovery. This study compared an individualized pneumoperitoneum pressure (IPP) strategy with a standard pneumoperitoneum pressure (SPP) strategy with respect to postoperative recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.Methods This was a multicentre RCT. The IPP strategy comprised modified patient positioning, deep neuromuscular blockade, and abdominal wall prestretching targeting the lowest intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) that maintained acceptable workspace. The SPP strategy comprised patient positioning according to the surgeon's preference, moderate neuromuscular blockade and a fixed IAP of 12 mmHg. The primary endpoint was physiological postoperative recovery, assessed by means of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale. Secondary endpoints included recovery in other domains and overall recovery, the occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and plasma markers of inflammation up to postoperative day 3.Results Of 166 patients, 85 received an IPP strategy and 81 an SPP strategy. The IPP strategy was associated with a higher probability of physiological recovery (odds ratio (OR) 2 center dot 77, 95 per cent c.i. 1 center dot 19 to 6 center dot 40, P = 0 center dot 017; risk ratio (RR) 1 center dot 82, 1 center dot 79 to 1 center dot 87, P = 0 center dot 049). The IPP strategy was also associated with a higher probability of emotional (P = 0 center dot 013) and overall (P = 0 center dot 011) recovery. Intraoperative adverse events were less frequent with the IPP strategy (P < 0 center dot 001) and the plasma neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was lower (P = 0 center dot 029). Other endpoints were not affected.Conclusion In this cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery, an IPP strategy was associated with faster recovery, fewer intraoperative complications and less inflammation than an SPP strategy. Registration number: NCT02773173 ( ).