A study to evaluate fixed moderate PEEP versus driving pressure guided PEEP to prevent pulmonary atelectasis in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia.

This study evaluates whether driving pressure–guided positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is more effective than fixed moderate PEEP in preventing pulmonary atelectasis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Laparoscopic surgery and pneumoperitoneum increase the risk of perioperative atelectasis, which can worsen postoperative outcomes. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is used for early detection and quantification of atelectasis. In this randomized interventional study, ASA I–II adults are assigned to fixed PEEP or individualized driving pressure–guided PEEP. Primary outcomes include changes in LUS score, while secondary outcomes assess oxygenation, ventilatory, and hemodynamic parameters.