Intra-abdominal hypertension increases spatial QRS-T angle and elevates ST-segment J-point in healthy women undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Background: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) impairs cardiovascular function, however an effect of IAH on cardiac electrophysiology has been poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of IAH following pneumoperitoneum on vectorcardiographic variables reflecting cardiac repolarisation and depolarisation.

Methods: Otherwise healthy women undergoing elective gynaecological laparoscopy were studied. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), spatial QRS-T angle and ST-segment J-point (STJ) were observed during surgery and the early postoperative period.

Results: Forty women, ages 22 to 43 were examined. Induction of IAH to 15mmHg significantly widened the spatial QRS-T angle, whereas the Trendelenburg position subsequently reduced this widening. IAH also increased STJ voltage in leads III, aVF, V and V during surgery, with increased STJ voltage persisting in several leads through the morning of postoperative day 1.

Conclusion: Induction of IAH impacts the relationship between cardiac depolarisation and repolarisation and increases spatial QRS-T angle and STJ voltage.