<b>The effects of pneumoperitoneum on intraperitoneal tumour implantation in nude mice</b>

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a CO 2 pneumoperitoneum on the intraperitoneal growth of tumour cells. Design 6‐week‐old nude mice were stratified into four groups of 15 animals each. A CO 2 pneumoperitoneum was induced by a micro‐hysteroflator with an intraperitoneal pressure of 8 mm Hg for 90 min in groups 2 and 4. Two different tumour cell lines, suspended in 2 ml of Ringer solution for homogeneous spread of the cells, were injected i.p.. The control groups 1 and 3 received the tumour cells without pneumoperitoneum. Results The induction of a CO 2 pneumoperitoneum resulted in an increased seeding rate of tumour cells and provoked a significant increase in the number and size of intra‐abdominal metastases. Conclusion We conclude that present laparoscopic techniques should be evaluated with regard to the potential risk of intraperitoneal tumour growth in the case of malignant tumours.