Comparison of Low and Normal Flow Anesthesia in Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has gained increasing popularity compared to open radical prostatectomy with its advantages such as low blood loss, reduced blood transfusion rate, low complication rate, and shortened hospital stay. Since robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy should be performed in the limited retroperitoneal area, insufflation of the abdomen with carbon dioxide (CO2) (pneumoperitoneum) and steep Trendelenburg position are required to provide better surgical vision.

Low-flow anesthesia warms and moistens the inhaled gases, creating a more physiological breathing atmosphere during anesthesia. In addition, it provides cost advantage by reducing inhalation agent consumption and reduces atmospheric pollution. Studies show that long-term minimal flow anesthesia is safe and advantageous for non-laparoscopic surgery.

The aim of this study is to compare low-flow (1L/min) with normal flow (3lt/min) desflurane anesthesia in terms of hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, inhalation agent consumption and soda lime consumption for robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy surgery.

The secondary aim of the study is to compare the effects of low-flow and normal-flow anesthesia in the steep trendelenburg position (45°) used for robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.