ABSTRACT
The present study compares postoperative pulmonary functions, pain and stress responses between laparoscopic group [n = 15] and open surgical groups [n = 15] in morbidly obsess patients. Pulmonary functions [forced vital capacity FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 second FEV1% and peal expiratory flow rate PEFR] were performed and Spo2 was measured preoperatively [control], 4h after surgery and on days 1, 2 and 3 after the operation. Postoperative pain measured using a 100-mm visual analogue scale VAS and narcotic consumption were recorded every 8 hours for the first three days after operation. Also, endocrine metabolic response was measured via assay of serum cortisol and serum glucose levels preoperatively, 30 min, after induction, 2h and days 1,2 and 3 postoperatively. Pulmonary function showed that 4 h post surgery, a significant difference between the two groups being less for laparoscopic group. This difference continued over day 1,2 and 3 where the same results were still obtained for Spo2. Pain intensity at rest, during mobilization and on coughing was significantly less after laparoscopy. Requirements for postoperative opioid were 50% less in laparoscopic group. In both groups, plasma glucose and cortisol increased after surgery compared with baseline reaching the peak at 4 h without significant difference between both groups. This continued postoperatively but with significant difference between the two groups being less in laparoscopic group