title: Meta-analysis of the effect of warm humidified insufflation on pain after laparoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies on the use of warmed and humidified insufflation (WHI) in laparoscopic abdominal procedures to reduce pain have been inconclusive owing to small sample sizes.
  
  
  METHODS
  An electronic database search identified all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on adults undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia in which the exposure group had WHI and the control group had standard cold and dry carbon dioxide. The outcome measure was pain by visual analogue score or morphine usage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven RCTs were included. Patients in the WHI group experienced a significant reduction in pain score at 6 h (P = 0.006), 1 day (P = 0.010) and 3 days (P < 0.001) after operation, and in morphine usage on day 2 (P = 0.040).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  WHI reduces pain after laparoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, South Auckland Clinical School, University of Auckland, New Zealand. tsammour@middlemore.co.nz
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sammour
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kahokehr
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007327:Insufflation / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide