Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is typically used to create a pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery?

1. Carbon dioxide

2. Oxygen

3. Nitrous oxide

4. Argon gas

The correct answer is: Carbon dioxide

The creation of a pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery is primarily achieved using carbon dioxide. This gas is preferred because it is readily absorbed by the body and is not toxic, which makes it safe for use in the abdominal cavity. Once introduced, carbon dioxide expands the peritoneal cavity, allowing the surgeon to have a clear view and access to the organs without direct interference. Carbon dioxide also helps to improve the safety of the procedure – as it is non-flammable, it minimizes the risk of combustion, which is a concern in surgeries involving electrical cautery or lasers. Furthermore, the physiologic effects of carbon dioxide, such as rapid absorption and excretion through respiration, mean that patients do not experience prolonged gas retention, which can lead to complications. While other gases like oxygen, nitrous oxide, and argon gas may be used in various medical applications, they are not suitable for creating a pneumoperitoneum. Oxygen can support combustion, nitrous oxide is often used as an anesthetic, and argon gas, although inert, is not typically selected for this purpose due to its lack of absorption properties and potential for increased intra-abdominal pressure issues. Thus, carbon dioxide remains the standard choice for achieving pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic