Gastroesophageal Reflux and Tracheal Contamination During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Diagnostic Gynecological Laparoscopy

Abstract

We studied the incidence of reflux of stomach contents in patients undergoing laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for cholecystectomy or gynecology, using pH probes in the esophagus (gullet) and the trachea (windpipe). Acid reflux was very common but did not pass into the trachea. After gallbladder removal, the refluxed material became alkaline.