Evaluation of Perioperative Lung Ultrasound Scores (LUS) in Living Donor Nephrectomy Surgeries: A Prospective Observational Study

Living donor nephrectomy surgeries can be performed in lateral position with laparoscopic technique which necessitates pneumoperitoneum. Considering the position and the pneumoperitoneum, lungs can be affected macroscopically. In this study, it is aimed to observe whether lungs are affected by the aforementioned entities. The hypothesis is based on possible deterioration of the lungs due to the physical features of laparoscopic nephrectomy. Lung Ultrasound Score (LUS) will be used to evaluate the actual condition of lungs. Accordingly, one hemithorax is consisted of 6 different zones, and depending on the existence of vertical B lines (that refers to atelectasis and consolidation) each zone is scored 0 to 3. Higher scores reflect worse lung conditions that is associated with the severity of atelectasis. The LUS will be performed at three time points that are 5 minutes after intubation (T1), at the end of surgery and before extubation (T2), and at 30th minute in the postanesthesia care unit (T3). Primary outcome will be the difference between T1 and T3, secondary outcomes will include perioperative blood gas analyses, intraoperative mechanic ventilator parameters, intraoperative total amount of fluid given, postoperative pulmonary complications.