Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, ISSN - 0973 - 709X

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Dr Mohan Z Mani

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On Sep 2018




Prof. Somashekhar Nimbalkar

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Prof. Somashekhar Nimbalkar
Head, Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad
Chairman, Research Group, Charutar Arogya Mandal, Karamsad
National Joint Coordinator - Advanced IAP NNF NRP Program
Ex-Member, Governing Body, National Neonatology Forum, New Delhi
Ex-President - National Neonatology Forum Gujarat State Chapter
Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat.
On Sep 2018




Dr. Kalyani R

"Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research is at present a well-known Indian originated scientific journal which started with a humble beginning. I have been associated with this journal since many years. I appreciate the Editor, Dr. Hemant Jain, for his constant effort in bringing up this journal to the present status right from the scratch. The journal is multidisciplinary. It encourages in publishing the scientific articles from postgraduates and also the beginners who start their career. At the same time the journal also caters for the high quality articles from specialty and super-specialty researchers. Hence it provides a platform for the scientist and researchers to publish. The other aspect of it is, the readers get the information regarding the most recent developments in science which can be used for teaching, research, treating patients and to some extent take preventive measures against certain diseases. The journal is contributing immensely to the society at national and international level."



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Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College
Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research , Kolar, Karnataka
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Dr. Saumya Navit

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Professor and Head
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Saraswati Dental College
Lucknow
On Sep 2018




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Dr. Arunava Biswas
MD, DM (Clinical Pharmacology)
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacology
Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital , Kolkata




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Best regards,
C.S. Ramesh Babu,
Associate Professor of Anatomy,
Muzaffarnagar Medical College,
Muzaffarnagar.
On Aug 2018




Dr. Arundhathi. S
"Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR) is a reputed peer reviewed journal and is constantly involved in publishing high quality research articles related to medicine. Its been a great pleasure to be associated with this esteemed journal as a reviewer and as an author for a couple of years. The editorial board consists of many dedicated and reputed experts as its members and they are doing an appreciable work in guiding budding researchers. JCDR is doing a commendable job in scientific research by promoting excellent quality research & review articles and case reports & series. The reviewers provide appropriate suggestions that improve the quality of articles. I strongly recommend my fraternity to encourage JCDR by contributing their valuable research work in this widely accepted, user friendly journal. I hope my collaboration with JCDR will continue for a long time".



Dr. Arundhathi. S
MBBS, MD (Pathology),
Sanjay Gandhi institute of trauma and orthopedics,
Bengaluru.
On Aug 2018




Dr. Mamta Gupta,
"It gives me great pleasure to be associated with JCDR, since last 2-3 years. Since then I have authored, co-authored and reviewed about 25 articles in JCDR. I thank JCDR for giving me an opportunity to improve my own skills as an author and a reviewer.
It 's a multispecialty journal, publishing high quality articles. It gives a platform to the authors to publish their research work which can be available for everyone across the globe to read. The best thing about JCDR is that the full articles of all medical specialties are available as pdf/html for reading free of cost or without institutional subscription, which is not there for other journals. For those who have problem in writing manuscript or do statistical work, JCDR comes for their rescue.
The journal has a monthly publication and the articles are published quite fast. In time compared to other journals. The on-line first publication is also a great advantage and facility to review one's own articles before going to print. The response to any query and permission if required, is quite fast; this is quite commendable. I have a very good experience about seeking quick permission for quoting a photograph (Fig.) from a JCDR article for my chapter authored in an E book. I never thought it would be so easy. No hassles.
Reviewing articles is no less a pain staking process and requires in depth perception, knowledge about the topic for review. It requires time and concentration, yet I enjoy doing it. The JCDR website especially for the reviewers is quite user friendly. My suggestions for improving the journal is, more strict review process, so that only high quality articles are published. I find a a good number of articles in Obst. Gynae, hence, a new journal for this specialty titled JCDR-OG can be started. May be a bimonthly or quarterly publication to begin with. Only selected articles should find a place in it.
An yearly reward for the best article authored can also incentivize the authors. Though the process of finding the best article will be not be very easy. I do not know how reviewing process can be improved. If an article is being reviewed by two reviewers, then opinion of one can be communicated to the other or the final opinion of the editor can be communicated to the reviewer if requested for. This will help one’s reviewing skills.
My best wishes to Dr. Hemant Jain and all the editorial staff of JCDR for their untiring efforts to bring out this journal. I strongly recommend medical fraternity to publish their valuable research work in this esteemed journal, JCDR".



Dr. Mamta Gupta
Consultant
(Ex HOD Obs &Gynae, Hindu Rao Hospital and associated NDMC Medical College, Delhi)
Aug 2018




Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey

"I wish to thank Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), for asking me to write up few words.
Writing is the representation of language in a textual medium i e; into the words and sentences on paper. Quality medical manuscript writing in particular, demands not only a high-quality research, but also requires accurate and concise communication of findings and conclusions, with adherence to particular journal guidelines. In medical field whether working in teaching, private, or in corporate institution, everyone wants to excel in his / her own field and get recognised by making manuscripts publication.


Authors are the souls of any journal, and deserve much respect. To publish a journal manuscripts are needed from authors. Authors have a great responsibility for producing facts of their work in terms of number and results truthfully and an individual honesty is expected from authors in this regards. Both ways its true "No authors-No manuscripts-No journals" and "No journals–No manuscripts–No authors". Reviewing a manuscript is also a very responsible and important task of any peer-reviewed journal and to be taken seriously. It needs knowledge on the subject, sincerity, honesty and determination. Although the process of reviewing a manuscript is a time consuming task butit is expected to give one's best remarks within the time frame of the journal.
Salient features of the JCDR: It is a biomedical, multidisciplinary (including all medical and dental specialities), e-journal, with wide scope and extensive author support. At the same time, a free text of manuscript is available in HTML and PDF format. There is fast growing authorship and readership with JCDR as this can be judged by the number of articles published in it i e; in Feb 2007 of its first issue, it contained 5 articles only, and now in its recent volume published in April 2011, it contained 67 manuscripts. This e-journal is fulfilling the commitments and objectives sincerely, (as stated by Editor-in-chief in his preface to first edition) i e; to encourage physicians through the internet, especially from the developing countries who witness a spectrum of disease and acquire a wealth of knowledge to publish their experiences to benefit the medical community in patients care. I also feel that many of us have work of substance, newer ideas, adequate clinical materials but poor in medical writing and hesitation to submit the work and need help. JCDR provides authors help in this regards.
Timely publication of journal: Publication of manuscripts and bringing out the issue in time is one of the positive aspects of JCDR and is possible with strong support team in terms of peer reviewers, proof reading, language check, computer operators, etc. This is one of the great reasons for authors to submit their work with JCDR. Another best part of JCDR is "Online first Publications" facilities available for the authors. This facility not only provides the prompt publications of the manuscripts but at the same time also early availability of the manuscripts for the readers.
Indexation and online availability: Indexation transforms the journal in some sense from its local ownership to the worldwide professional community and to the public.JCDR is indexed with Embase & EMbiology, Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, Chemical Abstracts Service, Journal seek Database, Indian Science Abstracts, to name few of them. Manuscriptspublished in JCDR are available on major search engines ie; google, yahoo, msn.
In the era of fast growing newer technologies, and in computer and internet friendly environment the manuscripts preparation, submission, review, revision, etc and all can be done and checked with a click from all corer of the world, at any time. Of course there is always a scope for improvement in every field and none is perfect. To progress, one needs to identify the areas of one's weakness and to strengthen them.
It is well said that "happy beginning is half done" and it fits perfectly with JCDR. It has grown considerably and I feel it has already grown up from its infancy to adolescence, achieving the status of standard online e-journal form Indian continent since its inception in Feb 2007. This had been made possible due to the efforts and the hard work put in it. The way the JCDR is improving with every new volume, with good quality original manuscripts, makes it a quality journal for readers. I must thank and congratulate Dr Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief JCDR and his team for their sincere efforts, dedication, and determination for making JCDR a fast growing journal.
Every one of us: authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher are responsible for enhancing the stature of the journal. I wish for a great success for JCDR."



Thanking you
With sincere regards
Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey, M.S., M. Ch., FAIS
Associate Professor,
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College & Associated
Kamla Nehru & Hamidia Hospitals Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 001 (India)
E-mail: drrajendrak1@rediffmail.com
On May 11,2011




Dr. Shankar P.R.

"On looking back through my Gmail archives after being requested by the journal to write a short editorial about my experiences of publishing with the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), I came across an e-mail from Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor, in March 2007, which introduced the new electronic journal. The main features of the journal which were outlined in the e-mail were extensive author support, cash rewards, the peer review process, and other salient features of the journal.
Over a span of over four years, we (I and my colleagues) have published around 25 articles in the journal. In this editorial, I plan to briefly discuss my experiences of publishing with JCDR and the strengths of the journal and to finally address the areas for improvement.
My experiences of publishing with JCDR: Overall, my experiences of publishing withJCDR have been positive. The best point about the journal is that it responds to queries from the author. This may seem to be simple and not too much to ask for, but unfortunately, many journals in the subcontinent and from many developing countries do not respond or they respond with a long delay to the queries from the authors 1. The reasons could be many, including lack of optimal secretarial and other support. Another problem with many journals is the slowness of the review process. Editorial processing and peer review can take anywhere between a year to two years with some journals. Also, some journals do not keep the contributors informed about the progress of the review process. Due to the long review process, the articles can lose their relevance and topicality. A major benefit with JCDR is the timeliness and promptness of its response. In Dr Jain's e-mail which was sent to me in 2007, before the introduction of the Pre-publishing system, he had stated that he had received my submission and that he would get back to me within seven days and he did!
Most of the manuscripts are published within 3 to 4 months of their submission if they are found to be suitable after the review process. JCDR is published bimonthly and the accepted articles were usually published in the next issue. Recently, due to the increased volume of the submissions, the review process has become slower and it ?? Section can take from 4 to 6 months for the articles to be reviewed. The journal has an extensive author support system and it has recently introduced a paid expedited review process. The journal also mentions the average time for processing the manuscript under different submission systems - regular submission and expedited review.
Strengths of the journal: The journal has an online first facility in which the accepted manuscripts may be published on the website before being included in a regular issue of the journal. This cuts down the time between their acceptance and the publication. The journal is indexed in many databases, though not in PubMed. The editorial board should now take steps to index the journal in PubMed. The journal has a system of notifying readers through e-mail when a new issue is released. Also, the articles are available in both the HTML and the PDF formats. I especially like the new and colorful page format of the journal. Also, the access statistics of the articles are available. The prepublication and the manuscript tracking system are also helpful for the authors.
Areas for improvement: In certain cases, I felt that the peer review process of the manuscripts was not up to international standards and that it should be strengthened. Also, the number of manuscripts in an issue is high and it may be difficult for readers to go through all of them. The journal can consider tightening of the peer review process and increasing the quality standards for the acceptance of the manuscripts. I faced occasional problems with the online manuscript submission (Pre-publishing) system, which have to be addressed.
Overall, the publishing process with JCDR has been smooth, quick and relatively hassle free and I can recommend other authors to consider the journal as an outlet for their work."



Dr. P. Ravi Shankar
KIST Medical College, P.O. Box 14142, Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: ravi.dr.shankar@gmail.com
On April 2011
Anuradha

Dear team JCDR, I would like to thank you for the very professional and polite service provided by everyone at JCDR. While i have been in the field of writing and editing for sometime, this has been my first attempt in publishing a scientific paper.Thank you for hand-holding me through the process.


Dr. Anuradha
E-mail: anuradha2nittur@gmail.com
On Jan 2020

Important Notice

Original article / research
Year : 2008 | Month : December | Volume : 2 | Issue : 6 | Page : 1155 - 1162 Full Version

Evaluation Of Effects Of Laparoscopic Surgery On Hepatic Function


Published: December 1, 2008 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2008/.365
TAURO LF*, SHEETHAL CM**, AITHALA PSM***, SHETTY SR***, D’SOUZA CS*, RAO BSS*, SHENOY DH ****, RAO K**

*Assoc.Professor,**PGResident,***Professor,****Professor&H.O.D.Dept.ofGeneralSurgeryFr.MullerMedical College Hospital Kankanady, Mangalore – 575002 (D.K.), Karnataka,(INDIA)

Correspondence Address :
Dr.Tauro LF,Dept.of General SurgeryFr. MullerMedicalCollegeHospitalKankanady,Mangalore–575002(D.K.)Karnataka,INDIA)Ph.No:Hosp:(0824)2436301,Res:(0824) 2224911,E-Mail:drlftauro@rediffmail.com

Abstract

Aim:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of laparoscopic surgery on liver function and the possible mechanisms behind such effect.
Methods:Blood samples were collected from 60 patients undergoing various types of laparoscopic procedures, preoperatively once and post operatively on day 1 and day 7. They were tested for liver function by comparing the levels of serum bilirubin, serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum alkaline phosphatase. The time of CO2 insufflation was also measured.
Results:The levels of serum AST, ALT, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly during the first 48 hrs post operatively. Doubling of pre-op values of AST was seen in 33.3% and of ALT was seen in 31.7%. By 7th post operative day, the levels of AST, ALT, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase returned to near pre-operative values. CO2 pneumoperitonium was found to be a major cause of increased liver enzymes and serum bilirubin in the study.
Conclusion:Transient elevation of hepatic enzymes occurs after laparoscopic surgery and CO2 pneumoperitoneum seemed to be the major reason.

Keywords

Laparoscopy, Laparoscopic surgery, Liver enzyme, Pneumoperitoneum

Introduction
Laparoscopy provides access to the peritoneal cavity for diagnosis and also for many surgical interventions previously only possible by laparotomy. Main advantages of laparoscopic surgery include; reduction of tissue trauma due to small skin incisions and reduction in adhesion formation. The growing interest in laparoscopy is mostly attributable to cumulative evidence suggesting a reduction in patient morbidity, shortening of duration of hospital stay and early return to normal activity.
During the last decade many studies have disclosed ‘unexplained’ changes in postoperative liver function tests in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. (1), (2) These studies demonstrate that transient elevation of hepatic enzymes could occur after laparoscopic procedures. No causes for this elevation are documented so far. These changes might be attributed to hepatocellular dysfunction secondary to one or combination of CO2 pneumoperitoneum, diathermy extruding liver, branch of the hepatic artery injured and general anesthesia(1). CO2 pneumoperitoneum might be one of the main reasons for the change of serum liver enzymes.
This study was intended to assess the prevalence, and clinical significance of unexplained disturbances in liver enzymes following laparoscopic surgeries.

Aims And Objectives
1. To estimate serum AST, ALT, Serum Bilirubin, and Alkaline Phosphatase in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1 and 7.
2. To evaluate the effects of laparoscopic surgery on liver enzymes (AST, ALT, Alkaline Phosphatase) and serum bilirubin.
3. To correlate the duration of laparoscopic surgery with elevation of liver enzymes if any.

Material and Methods

This prospective controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of laparoscopic procedures on liver function. All the patients studied were selected for laparoscopic procedures after they underwent routine history taking, physical examination and investigations to exclude pre-existing liver diseases or generalized debility.

Patients included in the study were selected by purposive sampling method from those who underwent laparoscopic surgery in the hospital. Investigation review board (Ethical committee) approval was taken prior to the study. The study was conducted over a 2 years period from October 2003 to November 2005. Various laparoscopic procedures were performed in 60 patients and they constituted the study population.

All patients selected for the study had normal values of serum liver enzymes prior to the operations.

The following cases were excluded from the study:
• Cases with coexisting liver disease.
• Cases that developed complications such as bile duct injury, obstruction, infection, leakage and high grade fever during surgery and in the post-operative period.
• Cases who had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy within one week before surgery.

In all patients selected for the study, the levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGPT, normal range < 35 U litre-1), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGOT, normal range < 40 U litre-1), Serum Bilirubin (normal range < 1 mg/dL) and Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (normal range 60-170 U litre-1) were measured pre-operatively (pre-op) once and then post-operatively (post-op) on Day 1 and Day 7.

During surgery, intraabdominal pressure (IAP) was maintained at a range of 12-14 mmHg. CO2 insufflation time was recorded in each procedure. All patients had a nasogastric tube and urinary catheter introduced before surgery. Perioperative antibiotics (ceftriaxone and metronidazole) were administered in all patients.

Serum bilirubin was measured by Identikit using calorimetry. AST and ALT were measured by Raichem spectrophotometer, capable of accurate measurement at 340nm. Serum alkaline phosphatase was measured by Raichem Sphectrophotometer or calorimeter capable of accurately measuring absorbance changes at 405 nm. These patients were followed up at one week, one month, three months and six month’s intervals following discharge.

All data were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. Data was analysed for finding the significance of effect of laparoscopy on hepatic function by using students paired t test. P value less than 0.005 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Among the 60 patients who constituted the study population, majority were females, i.e. 45 patients (75%) and male patients were 15 (25%). Age distribution of the 60 patients who constituted study population is as below (Table/Fig 1). Majority of these patients were below 50 years of age.
Among the 60 patients constituting the study population, 23 patients underwent appendicectomy and 16 patients underwent cholecystectomy. 15 patients had undergone Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) and 3 patients had undergone ovarian cystectomy(Table/Fig 2).
Serum Bilirubin Levels
When compared with pre-op levels, serum bilirubin values increased significantly in post-op day 1 (P =0.001). This value came down to near pre-op levels by post-op day 7 (Table/Fig 3) and (Table/Fig 4). The serum bilirubin level increased significantly within 24-48 hrs following laparoscopic surgery and came down within a week’s time.
SGPT/AST Levels
When compared to pre-op levels SGPT values increased significantly in post-op day 1 (P =0.001). This value came down to near pre-op levels by post-op day 7 (Table/Fig 5) and (Table/Fig 6). SGPT levels increased significantly within 24-48 hrs following laparoscopic surgery and came down within a week’s time.
SGOT/ALT Levels
When compared to pre-op levels SGOT values increased significantly in post-op day1 (P =0.001). This value came down to near pre-op levels by post-op day 7 (Table/Fig 7) and (Table/Fig 8). SGOT levels increased significantly within 24-48 hrs following laparoscopic surgery and came down within a week’s time.
Alkaline Phosphatase Levels
When compared to pre-op levels, Serum Alkaline phosphatase values increased significantly in post-op day 1 (P =0.001) and came down to near pre-op levels by post-op day 7 (Table/Fig 9) and(Table/Fig 10). Serum Alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly within 24-48 hrs following laparoscopic surgery and came down within a week’s time.
In this study it was found that there is a significant co-relation between CO2 insufflation time and cases with elevated liver enzymes level (Table/Fig 10).

Discussion

Endoscopic surgery is rapidly becoming a popular alternative to traditional operative procedures for a variety of diseases. Many biochemical tests have been used to estimate liver function. In interpreting tests of liver function one must remember that no test is diagnostic of specific liver lesion, and that many tests may be normal even in presence of liver disease and that factors other than liver disease may cause abnormal tests. Carbon dioxide pneumoperitonium induces hemodynamic, pulmonary, renal, splanchnic and endocrinal pathophysiological changes. Splanchnic ischemia is the major pathophysiological change induced by it. Experimental animal studies in rats and pigs have shown decrease in splanchnic macro- and microcirculation depending on the amount of intra-abdominal pressure (3). The immediate consequences of this relative ischemia were an elevation of various hepatic enzymes, including GOT (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) and GPT (glutamic pyruvic transaminase), reflecting hepatocytic damage (4), impaired function of the Kupffer cells (5), drop in gastric intramucosal Ph (6), increase in bacterial translocation from the gut, and increased production of oxygen-derived free radicals. A very frequently cited study (7) assessed the splanchnic circulatory changes during high-pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum. An increase of 5 mmHg, from 10 to 15 mmHg, of the intra-abdominal pressure resulted in blood flow decrease by 40-54% to the stomach, by 32% to the jejunum, by 44% to the colon, by 39% to the liver, and by 60% to the peritoneum. Meanwhile, splanchnic blood flow decreased along with operative time, in spite of a constant intra-arterial pressure (8).

Few studies showed increased levels of aminotransferases(alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) and also of alcohol dehydrogenase and glutathione S-transferase but the phenomenon is transient as these enzymes returned to normal values within 1-3 days(1),(9). These changes are clinically silent in patients with a normal liver function. Transient elevation of hepatic transaminases could occur after laparoscopic procedures. The transient elevation of hepatic transaminases showed no apparent clinical implication in most patients who received laparoscopic surgery according to follow-up observations and feedback from these patients. Nevertheless, these results indicate that, if the patient's preoperative liver function was very poor, laparoscopic surgery might not be the optimal choice for treating certain abdominal diseases (10). An intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of 12-14 mmHg used in laparoscopic surgery was higher than the normal portal blood pressure of 7-10 mmHg. This operation might therefore, reduce portal blood flow and cause alteration in liver function (11), (12). On the other hand, elevation and depression of IAP in a short time during laparoscopic operation might be causative as well. During laparoscopic procedure, sudden alteration of IAP could cause an undulation of portal blood flow. This undulation and "re-irrigation" of organs’ blood flow may give rise to "ischemia and re-irrigation" damage of tissues and organs, especially Kupffer cells and endothelial cells of hepatic sinusoids (13). The mesothelial cells were found to be bulging up, the intercellular clefts thereby increased in size, and the underlying basal lamina became visible (14). During laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), an IAP of 8 mmHg was found to decrease hepatic microcirculation significantly (15). Therefore, elevation of IAP caused by CO2 pneumoperitoneum might be the main reason behind these changes.

A second possible mechanism for alterations of serum liver enzymes after LC is the "squeeze" pressure effect on liver (1). The traction of gallbladder may free these enzymes into blood stream. Third possibility may be local effect of prolonged use of diathermy to liver surface and spread of heat to liver parenchyma. This hypothesis is supported by some other studies (16), (17). But it is not significant here since in our study similar changes are seen in laparoscopic appendicectomies and laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomies too, where liver was not handled at all. In addition, transient liver dysfunction occurs in patients after some general anesthesia (18), (19). This complication is associated with anesthesia-induced changes in splanchnic blood flow and oxygen consumption. But anesthesia could not have acted exclusively to cause these changes, as many studies have shown that there were no such changes in open surgeries with general anesthesia (20).

Another possible mechanism of alterations of serum liver enzymes, which had been considered, was an inadvertent clipping of right branch of hepatic artery or any other aberrant arterial branch supplying blood to liver. When Calot's triangle has dense or cicatricial adhesion, the related arterial branch could be easily injured. This however, should be followed by a massive increase in levels of liver enzymes and usually has clinical implications (21), (22).

Changes in serum liver enzymes in laparoscopic surgery rather than open surgery had been reported before (2), (9). The first factor of consideration here is CO2 pneumoperitoneum (1). All the patients in this study were subjected to CO2 pneumoperitoneum during the surgery and they showed significant changes in post-operative serum liver enzyme levels. This finding is consistent with other similar studies (23), (24), (25). Also it was found in this study that as the time of CO2 pneumoperitoneum increased, elevation in levels of liver enzymes increased. Therefore, elevation of intra-abdominal pressure by CO2 pneumoperitoneum is thought to be the main reason behind these changes. Similar clinical studies in human beings are rare and usually consist of only small groups of patients. A very frequently cited study (7) assessed splanchnic circulatory changes during high pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum. An increase of 5mmHg from 10mmHg to 15mmHg of intraabdominal pressure resulted in decrease in blood flow by 40-54% to stomach, by 32% to jejunum, by 44% to colon, by 39% to liver and by 60% to peritoneum. Meanwhile, it was also found that splanchnic blood flow decreased along with operative time in spite of a constant intra-arterial pressure.

Also, increased intraabdominal pressure triggers neurohumoral response of vasopressin – renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Vasopressin and norepinephrine play significant role in causing damage to hepatic function.

In this study, of the 60 patients who constituted the study population, 45 were female patients and 15 were male. All patients were between 15 and 75 years of age. Majority of patients were below 50 years (i.e. 54 patients). Patients who underwent various types of laparoscopic surgeries were included in the study. 23 patients were operated for acute appendicitis, of which one patient also had associated appendiceal perforation peritonitis, they all underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy. Patient with peritonitis also underwent peritoneal toilet. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done in 16 patients, mostly for calculous cholecystitis. Gynaecologic surgeries were also included in the study of which majority were laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy, done in 15 patients. In this 2 patients underwent salpingoopherectomy along with LAVH. Ovarian cysterectomy was done in 3 patients. Testicular vein ligation was done in 1 patient with varicocoele. 2 patients, who presented with subacute intestinal obstruction due to post-op adhesions, underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis.

In all patients, levels of serum bilirubin, serum AST, serum ALT and serum alkaline phosphatase were checked preoperatively once and post operatively on day 1 and day 7. In detail, mean level of serum bilirubin preoperatively was 0.70 +/- 0.14mg/dL. Postoperatively on day 1 and day 7 the levels were 1.10 +/- 0.32mg/dL and 0.75 +/- 0.18mg/dL respectively. Thus, it was found that there was a significant rise (P=0.001) in serum bilirubin levels in the immediate post-op period which came down to near pre-op values within 1 week postoperatively.

Similarly, mean level of serum AST pre-operatively was 19.52 +/- 15.99U/L. Post-operatively day 1 and day 7 the levels were 30.13 +/-9.80 U/L and 19.97 +/- 5.26 U/L respectively. There was a significant rise (P=0.001) in serum AST levels in the immediate post-op period when compared to pre-op values, which came down to near pre-op values with in a weeks’ time.

The mean level of serum ALT preoperatively was 22.56 +/- 5.09 U/L. Postoperatively day 1 and day 7 the levels were 38.63 +/- 12.17 U/L and 25.45 +/- 5.94 U/L respectively. Here again, there was a significant rise (P =0.001) in serum ALT levels in immediate post-op period when compared to pre-op values. The levels came down to near pre-op values by post-op day 7. The mean level of serum Alkaline phosphatase pre-operatively was 103.81 +/- 23.30 U/L. Post operatively on day 1 and day 7 the mean levels were 147.71 +/- 36.50 U/L and 108.01 +/- 21.92 U/L respectively. A significant rise (P=.001) was seen in post-op day 1 level of serum alkaline phosphatase values when compared to the pre-op level. This came down to near pre-op values within a week of postoperative period.

The transient post operative increases in serum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels were seen in study population, irrespective of the type of laparoscopic surgery they underwent. It was also noticed that post-op day 1 level doubled the pre-op values in 20% patients in case of serum bilirubin. 33.3% patients had doubling of serum AST levels and 31.7% had doubling of serum ALT levels. Serum Alkaline phosphatase levels doubled only in 16.7% patients. These increased levels were seen in those patients who had a prolonged period of CO2 pneumoperitoneum when compared to others. In all the patients where there was a transient rise in the enzyme levels, values returned to near-pre-operative concentrations within one week after surgery. None of the patients presented with clinical hepatic dysfunction after surgery according to follow up observations and feedback from these patients.

Studies done by other authors (26), (27), (28) also revealed similar findings and they have concluded that the transient elevation of hepatic enzymes occurred after laparoscopic surgery. Major causative factor seemed to be CO2 pneumoperitoneum. In most of the laparoscopic surgery patients, transient elevation of serum liver enzymes showed no apparent clinical implications.

In accordance with earlier studies we conclude that if patients’ pre-operative liver function is very poor, laparoscopic surgery might not be the optimal choice for treating certain abdominal diseases. Recent studies done by Giraudo G, Brachet Contul R et al (29) suggest that recent advances in laparoscopic surgery like gasless laparoscopy can avoid causing alterations in hepatic function. So, this could be tried as an alternative to routine laparoscopic surgeries using CO2 pneumoperitoneum, in patients with poor liver function.

Conclusion

From this study, we conclude that all types of laparoscopic procedures can cause transient elevation of hepatic enzymes and serum bilirubin for which the major causative factor seems to be CO2 pneumoperitoneum.

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