What type of gas is used to inflate the abdomen to create a pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic procedures?

During laparoscopic procedures, carbon dioxide is the preferred gas used to inflate the abdomen and create a pneumoperitoneum. The primary reason for this choice is that carbon dioxide is both readily absorbed by the body and has a low propensity for causing complications. Once introduced into the abdominal cavity, it can be easily absorbed through the peritoneal lining and eliminated through respiration, which minimizes the risk of residual gas that could cause complications post-surgery.

Furthermore, carbon dioxide is non-flammable, which is particularly important in the context of laparoscopic surgery where electrosurgical devices are used, reducing the risk of fire hazards. Its properties of being inexpensive and easily removable make it an optimal choice for surgical procedures requiring abdominal insufflation.

In contrast, other gases listed, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide, are not suitable for this purpose. Oxygen is crucial for respiration but can contribute to combustion risks in the presence of electrosurgical tools. Nitrous oxide is used for anesthesia and has anesthetic properties but is not absorbed as effectively as carbon dioxide for creating a pneumoperitoneum. Helium, while it may be used in some specialized procedures due to its unique characteristics, is not commonly utilized for general laparoscopic insufflation due to cost and absorption differences