BackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is presumed to induce a reduction in diaphragmatic activity. Indirect indices of diaphragmatic function based on tidal changes in pressures and cross‐section area measurements can be unreliable in the post‐operative phase. The present study evaluates diaphragmatic activity by directly recording diaphragmatic EMG (EMG (dia)) data, along with indirect indices.MethodsThirteen adult patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were examined preoperatively for inspiratory tidal changes in gastric (Pgas‐insp) and esophageal (Peso‐insp) pressures, and tidal changes in ribcage (Vthor) and abdominal (Vabd) cross‐section areas and then again at 1, 6, and 24 h postoperatively combined with EMGdiarecordings. Variations in inspiratory gastric (Delta Pgas‐insp) and inspiratory transdiaphragmatic (Delta Pdi‐insp) pressures were derived from the above.ResultsLaparoscopic cholecystectomy induced a significant reduction in mean Delta Pgas‐insp, mean Delta Pdi‐insp, and mean Vabdindicating a reduction of diaphragmatic activity postoperatively. Delta Pdi‐inspdecreased from 11.8 +/‐ 4.0 cm H2O preoperatively to 5.7 +/‐ 5.7 cm H2O at 1 h and 6.6 +/‐ 5.1 cm H2O at 6 h postoperatively (mean +/‐ SD; P < 0.05). Vabddecreased from 327.0 +/‐ 113.0 ml preoperatively to 174.0 +/‐ 65.0 ml at 1 h and 175.0 +/‐ 98.0 ml at 6 h postoperatively (mean +/‐ SD; P < 0.05). These values had partially recovered at 24 h.ConclusionThe direct and indirect indices of diaphragmatic activity taken together confirm the presence of reduction in diaphragmatic activity after laparoscopic cholecystectomy followed by its partial recovery at 24 h.