CARBON DIOXIDE INSUFFLATION APPARATUS

Typical Number in Hospital: 5

Cost Bands: 3,4

References:

This delivers carbon dioxide under low pressure to open up a space within the body. The most common application is to give a sufficiently large viewing area during endoscopy. An example is in laparoscopy when the viewing instrument is passed through a small incision in the abdomen. A space is created by carbon dioxide insufflation for viewing and internal surgery. Insufflation has also been used in the uterus as a diagnostic and treatment method to pass the gas up the length of the fallopian tubes.

Carbon dioxide is used since it will be readily absorbed into the tissues after the procedure, and also it will suppress combustion of flammable gases during surgical diathermy (e.g. in the bowel). The apparatus normally consists of a carbon dioxide cylinder, a regulator to reduce the pressure, and a small rotameter flowmeter and needle valve to control the rate of flow. Sometimes a pressure gauge and relief valve are included. Such devices are commonly found in operating theatres.