Laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain: effects of the combination of incisional and intraperitoneal levobupivacaine before or after surgery
Işık Alper1, Sezgin Ulukaya1, Gülsüm Yüksel3, Meltem Uyar2, Taner Balcıoğlu1
1Ege University School Of Medicine, Department Of Anesthesiology And Reanimation, Izmir
2Ege University School Of Medicine, Department Of Algology, Izmir
3Malazgirt State Hospital,anesthesiology And Reanimation Clinic, Muş
Keywords: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, postoperative pain; intraperitoneal instillation; levobupivacaine.
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether timing of administration of the combination of incisional and intraperitoneal 0.25% levobupivacaine has an effect on postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a prospective, randomized, controlled study.
Methods: Sixty six patients were allocated to one of the three groups. Group BS received levobupivacaine before incisioning trocar sites and intraperitoneal levobupivacaine immediately after pneumoperitoneum. Group AS received intraperitoneal levobupivacaine before trocars were withdrawn and incisional levobupivacaine at the end of surgery. Group C received no treatment. Data of intraoperative variables, postoperative pain relief, rescue analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction were compared.
Results: The intraoperative fentanyl consumption was found lower in Group BS, compared to Groups AS and C (p<0.05). VAS scores were lower in both Groups BS and AS, compared to Group C immediately after the operation (p<0.05). VAS scores were significantly decreased during first two hours in Group AS, compared to Group C. The mean doses and number of patients needing rescue meperidine were lower in Group AS, compared to the Groups BS and C (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of incisional and intraperitoneal levobupivacaine administered before or after surgery can reduce postoperative pain, analgesic and antiemetic consumption together with improved patient satisfaction. However, administering levobupivacaine before surgery might be advantageous for less intraoperative fentanyl consumption, while levobupivacaine after surgery is advantageous for less postoperative rescue analgesic requirement.