Ultrasound Assessment of Airway Edema During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial aims to investigate the development of airway edema associated with intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A total of 66 adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia will be randomly assigned into two equal groups (33 patients per group) based on intra-abdominal pressure levels: low-pressure and standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum. Ultrasonographic measurements will be used to assess airway soft tissue thickness at predefined time points before and after the pneumoperitoneum. The primary objective is to determine whether increased intra-abdominal pressure contributes to postoperative airway edema, which may pose a risk during extubation.