BACKGROUND During gynecologic laparoscopy, pneumoperitoneum, and the position of the patient's head can lead to pathophysiologic changes in cardiovascular and respiratory systems, complicating the management of anesthesia in these patients. One of the strategies for improving the respiratory status of patients undergoing laparoscopy is the use of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of PEEP on the respiratory status of patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy. METHODS In this clinical trial, 60 patients with ASA I were randomly assigned to three groups to control anesthesia: ZEEP (PEEP 0 cmH2O; 20 cases), PEEP5 (PEEP 5 cmH2O; 20 cases), and PEEP10 (PEEP 10 cmH2O; 20 cases). Respiratory and hemodynamic variables of patients were compared before general anesthetic induction and immediately after CO2 insufflation at intervals of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min and the end of the operation in the three study groups. RESULTS The PEEP application improved pH, PaCO2, and PaO2 levels at the end of pneumoperitoneum compared to baseline when compared with the non-use of PEEP (ZEEP group). Also, the frequency of dysrhythmia in the use of PEEP in controlled ventilation was significantly lower in patients with PEEP10 (P < 0.05). The application of PEEP5 resulted in similar effects to PEEP10 in the levels of respiratory variables. CONCLUSIONS The PEEP application is associated with improved arterial blood gas in patients with gynecologic laparoscopy. The use of PEEP10 has a greater effect on the improvement of respiratory parameters and complications of pneumoperitoneum.