A prospective randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial to assess whether gas drains reduce shoulder pain following gynaecological laparoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects on patient discomfort of an intraabdominal passive gas drain left for four hours postoperatively following gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery.


METHODS
A prospective randomised double-blinded placebo controlled trial.


METHODS
University tertiary hospital and private hospital.


METHODS
Eighty women having a laparoscopic gynaecological procedure for benign disease.


METHODS
A drain was placed via the umbilical port at the conclusion of the surgical procedure and was removed four hours postoperatively. The researcher, assessor and patient were all blinded as to the patency or occlusion of the drain. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires at regular intervals up to five days postoperatively.


METHODS
Visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess overall pain, shoulder and chest pain, abdominal pain, bloating and energy prior to surgery and at intervals up to five days postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
No complications were attributed to the presence and withdrawal of the drain tube. Shoulder pain following operative or diagnostic laparoscopy was significantly reduced for 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours by the presence of a patent passive gas drain for the first four hours postoperatively. The drains were easy to use and had no associated morbidity We recommend that in the absence of the need for an active drain, all patients undergoing laparoscopy should have a gas drain inserted for a period of four hours after the completion of the procedure.
Swift
Gary
G
Endosurgery Unit, Mercy Hospital for Women, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Healey
Martin
M
Varol
Nesrin
N
Maher
Peter
P
Hill
David
D
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005740:Gases; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011028:Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D005740:Gases