Evaluation of Perioperative Lung Ultrasound Scores in Laparoscopic Pediatric Surgeries

Laparoscopic surgeries require carbon-dioxide into the abdomen which may occasionally lead to atelectasis. The extent of this atelectasis is not well documented in peri-operative period although it has been extensively researched in critical care set up. In this study, it is aimed to observe the ultrasonographic condition of lungs in laparoscopic pediatric surgeries. The hypothesis was the Lung Ultrasound Scores would worsen in those surgeries by the end of the operation. Aged between 1-18 years pediatric patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic surgeries will be included in the study to observe the changes in the lung visuals throughout the operation. For that, after safe endotracheal intubation first ultrasonography will be performed for the first (T1) time, and the second ultrasonography will be performed once the surgery is finished and before extubation (T2). Lastly, the third evaluation will be performed after 30 minutes in post anesthesia care unit (T3). Lung Ultrasound Score (LUS) is calculated as follows: Both hemi-thoraxes are divided into 6 different zones, and depending on the number of B-lines, which happens due to aeration loss in lung tissue, every zone is scored. If there is no B-line, it is zero points. If the B-lines in the visual lower than 4, the area is scored as 1 point. The areas with B-lines more than 3 is scored as 2 points. Furthermore, if there is any disruption on the pleural face, then the area is scored as 3 points. Accordingly, the worst case scenario refers 36 points, meaning the less the points the better the lung aeration.

Primary outcome is defined as T2 LUS which will show the actual condition of at the end of the surgery. For that, T1 scores and T2 scores will be compared. The secondary outcomes include T3 LUS, (T3-T1)LUS, intraoperative hemodynamics, length of stay in Post Anesthesia Care Unite, postoperative aldrete scores for discharging to ward, and intraoperative ventilation variables.