Hindbrain-related syringomyelia and raised intra-abdominal pressure: implications for safety of laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Abstract

The causative role played by intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in the syringogenesis of the Chiari 1 malformation syringomyelia has been still not adequately studied. The aim of this study is to validate the transmedullary theory about the hindbrain-related syrinx, also discussing the implications for safety of these patients related to the use of high-pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic and robotic surgery.