The effects of pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide and helium on systemic hemodynamics and arterial blood gases were investigated in pigs in an attempt to clarify the mechanisms by which pneumoperitoneum may induce organ dysfunction. A total of 16 anesthetized female pigs underwent pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide or helium (n = 8 each) in a stepwise fashion to intraabdominal pressures of 8, 10, 12, 16, and 20 mmHg. Changes in cardiac output; renal and hepatic blood flow; mean arterial, mean pulmonary arterial, mean pulmonary arterial wedge, inferior vena caval, and portal venous pressures; and total peripheral resistance were measured. Arterial blood samples were obtained at the same time the above parameters were determined. Urine volume was measured as an indicator of renal function. Pneumoperitoneum with either carbon dioxide or helium significantly increased venous pressures and simultaneously decreased cardiac output. These changes were associated with decreases in organ blood flow due to increased peripheral resistance. Urinary output was reduced to a similar degree in the two groups. Blood gas analysis revealed pneumoperitoneum-induced metabolic acidosis in both groups, although hypercapnia was observed only in the carbon dioxide group. These findings suggest that pneumoperitoneum-related organ dysfunction may be due to increased intraperitoneal pressure rather than to hypercapnia.

In Japan, the first endoscopic surgery, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, was performed in 1990. Since then, operative procedures have been standardized, and the safety and efficacy of endoscopic surgery have been evaluated. In accordance with the social acceptance of endoscopic surgery as a less invasive type of surgery, the number of endoscopic procedures performed has increased in all surgical domains. The Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) has played an important role in the development of endoscopic surgery in Japan. Notably, a technical skills certification system for surgeons was established by the JSES to train instructors on how to teach safe endoscopic surgery. Furthermore, the JSES has conducted a national survey every two years to evaluate the status of endoscopic surgery over time. In 2017, 248 743 patients underwent endoscopic surgery in all surgical domains, such as abdominal, thoracic, mammary and thyroid gland, cardiovascular, obstetrics and gynecology, urologic, orthopedic, and plastic surgery. The 14th National Survey of Endoscopic Surgery conducted by the JSES demonstrated the status of laparoscopic surgery in Japan in 2016‐2017.

All 40 patients were treated successfully by laparoscopy-assisted Billroth I gastrectomy without significant complications and with no recurrences to date. Pathological study of conventionally resected stomach and lymph nodes confirmed that laparoscopy-assisted Billroth I gastrectomy would be a safe and useful operation for most early gastric cancers.

In Japan, the first endoscopic surgery, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, was performed in 1990. Since then, operative procedures have been standardized, and the safety and usefulness of endoscopic surgery have been evaluated. With the acceptance of endoscopic surgery as less invasive than open surgery, the number of the endoscopic procedures continues to increase in all surgical domains. The Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) has had an important role in the development of endoscopic surgery in Japan. For example, JSES established a technical skills certification system for physicians to train instructors to teach safe endoscopic surgery. Additionally, JSES has performed a national survey every 2 years. In 2013, 178 084 patients underwent endoscopic surgery in all surgical domains, including abdominal, thoracic, mammary and thyroid gland, cardiovascular, obstetrics and gynecology, urologic, orthopedic, and plastic surgery. The development and current status of laparoscopic surgery are reported here based on the results of the most recent questionnaire survey conducted by JSES.

In contrast to pneumoperitoneum, AWL did not alter cardiac function or renal hemodynamics. AWL may be useful in patients with cardiovascular or renal disorders.