Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) Monitoring of Regional Ventilation During Pediatric Laparoscopy

This study uses electrical impedance tomography (EIT) — a real-time, non-invasive bedside lung imaging tool — to monitor how regional lung ventilation changes during laparoscopic surgery in children. Laparoscopic procedures involve inflating the abdomen with gas (pneumoperitoneum), which pushes the diaphragm upward and can compress and de-recruit lung tissue. In children, whose chests are smaller and lungs more susceptible to collapse, this is a particularly important concern. By mapping ventilation distribution in real time with EIT, anesthesiologists may be able to adjust ventilation strategies during surgery to prevent lung problems. To participate, children must have ASA physical status I or II (meaning they are reasonably healthy) and be scheduled for an elective or urgent laparoscopic procedure such as appendectomy or cholecystectomy. Parental consent is required. Children with ASA III or IV status, peritonitis, severe recent respiratory illness, chronic lung conditions, cardiac issues, skeletal deformities, obesity (BMI >30), or implanted devices incompatible with EIT are excluded. EIT monitoring occurs during the procedure, with no additional interventions beyond standard care. Researchers compare ventilation patterns before, during, and after pneumoperitoneum. This observational work is important because anesthesia-related lung complications in children can prolong recovery and cause lasting harm. Better real-time monitoring tools like EIT could help personalize ventilation management in pediatric surgery, improving safety and outcomes.