Intraperitoneal ropivacaine and a gas drain: effects on postoperative pain in laparoscopic surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the benefits of the combination of a gas drain and the instillation of local anesthetic on the incidence of pain after operative gynecologic laparoscopy.


METHODS
Randomized control trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
One hundred twenty-eight patients undergoing operative gynecologic laparoscopy procedures lasting less than 105 minutes.


METHODS
Postoperatively, one group received a blocked drain and saline placed intraperitoneally; a second group was given a blocked drain and ropivacaine; a third group received a patent drain and saline; and a fourth was given a patent drain and ropivacaine.


RESULTS
Visual analogue pain scores (VAS) were measured at 1, 2, 4, and 12 hours and day 1 to day 7. Also measured was opioid consumption at 4 hours, nausea, and activity scores. We found a statistically significant improvement in pain scores at 2 and 4 hours in the group allocated to receive a patent drain and ropivacaine.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend the use of a gas drain and ropivacaine to reduce postoperative pain.
Readman
Emma
E
Department of Endosurgery, Mercy Hospital for Women, Clarendon Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.
Maher
Peter J
PJ
Ugoni
Antony M
AM
Gordon
Simon
S
D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000150:complications*; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D000077212:Ropivacaine