Effects of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Intraocular Pressure

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gall stones under general anesthesia using carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflations on the intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: The study was an observational case series, involved 24 non-glaucomatous patients with gall stones who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery under general anesthesia using (CO2) insufflations in the period from January 2016 to April 2016 in Zagazig University Hospitals. IOP was measured preoperatively, intra-operatively and shortly postoperatively. Interpretation of the results was performed. Results: The study revealed that IOP was elevated significantly during laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery (P < 0.001), as the mean preoperative IOP was (15.21 ± 1.61 mmHg) compared to intra-operative (24.55 ± 6.28 mmHg) and nearly returned to the normal level after 8 hours postoperatively (16.13 ± 2.44 mmHg). Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery elevated IOP significantly which is not favorable for glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients, especially for the old.