Purpose: To analyze the complications of laparoscopy in different vascular structures using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI has become a key tool in laparoscopic surgery. During these procedures, pneumoperitoneum creation and placing the patient in the surgical position provoke different changes in the splachnic circulation.
Materials and methods: Ten pigs were included in the study. MRI studies of the abdominal area were carried out in four different situations of abdominal pressure and body position.
Results: Changes in the area of the lumen of the portal vein and the abdominal aorta were analyzed in all situations. A significant reduction in the area of the abdominal aorta was observed after the pneumoperitoneum in supine and anti-Trendelemburg position. The lumen of the portal vein was significantly reduced in all analyzed situations except when placing the patient in anti-Trendelemburg without pneumoperitoneum, in which case the area was increased.
Conclusion: The creation of pneumoperitoneum provokes morphological changes in the lumen of different abdominal vessels as a consequence of the increase of pressure. Furthermore, the combination of pneumoperitoneum together with the anti-Trendelemburg position results in a more significant reduction of the lumen of the portal vein and the abdominal aorta.
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