['The adverse effects of sustained elevated intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) on cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal systems have been well documented by several reported experimental and clinical studies. Alteration in the splanchnic circulation has also been reported in animal experiments, but details of the exact hemodynamic changes in the flow to solid intraabdominal organs brought on by a raised intraperitoneal pressure in the human are not available. The aim of the present study was to estimate effect of increased IPP on the portal venous flow, using duplex Doppler ultrasonography in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.', 'The studies were performed using the SSD 2000 Multiview Ultrasound Scanner and the UST 5536 7.0-MHz laparoscopic transducer probe. Details of the measurements were standardized in according to preset protocol. Statistical evaluation of the data was conducted by the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).', 'The flow measurement data have demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the portal flow with increase in the intraperitoneal pressure. The mean portal flow fell from 990 +/- 100 ml/min to 568 +/- 81 ml/min (-37%) at an IPP of 7.0 mmHg and to 440 +/- 56 mmHg (-53%) when the IPP reached 14 mmHg.'] Does laparoscopic insufflation of the abdomen reduce portal venous flow?