Meta-analysis of the effect of warm humidified insufflation on pain after laparoscopy.
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.
Sammour
T
T
Department of Surgery, South Auckland Clinical School, University of Auckland, New Zealand. tsammour@middlemore.co.nz
Kahokehr
A
A
Hill
A G
AG
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
D002245:Carbon Dioxide