Which of the following is true about the effects of laparoscopic surgery on pregnancy?

Laparoscopic surgery can affect various physiological parameters, but the correct statement concerning the effects of laparoscopic surgery on pregnancy is that it leads to hypercarbia and acidosis. This occurs primarily because during laparoscopic procedures, especially those that involve insufflation of the abdomen with carbon dioxide, there can be a transient increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood (hypercarbia). This increase can result in respiratory acidosis due to a decrease in the removal of carbon dioxide through the lungs during the procedure.

Additionally, pregnant patients already have unique physiological changes, including increased minute ventilation and altered gas exchange, which can be further influenced by the carbon dioxide used for insufflation in laparoscopic surgery. This can predispose them to more pronounced effects compared to non-pregnant individuals.

In contrast, while laparoscopic surgery can impact uterine blood flow and systemic vascular resistance, it does not consistently lead to increased uterine blood flow, decreased systemic vascular resistance, or an increase in functional residual capacity in the same way that it causes hypercarbia and acidosis. Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing surgical care in pregnant patients and managing any potential complications.