[A new effective method to reduce pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation
• Pain management
• Minimally invasive surgery

Context:

• Videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy (VLC) is a common surgical procedure.
• Post-operative pain is a significant concern for patients undergoing VLC.
• Current pain management strategies may have limitations.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a Bupivacaine-soaked sheet of regenerated oxidized cellulose in the gallbladder bed for post-VLC pain control.
• To compare pain intensity and type between patients receiving the Bupivacaine-soaked sheet, local anesthetic infiltration, and a control group.
• To assess the impact on post-operative analgesic requirements.

Summary:

• A prospective randomized controlled study involved 45 patients undergoing elective VLC, divided into three groups: Bupivacaine-soaked sheet, Bupivacaine infiltration, and control.
• Pain intensity and type were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 and 24 hours post-surgery.
• The Bupivacaine-soaked sheet group showed a statistically significant reduction in visceral and shoulder pain compared to other groups, with no significant difference in overall pain intensity.

Impact:

• The Bupivacaine-soaked sheet is a safe and cost-effective method to improve post-operative comfort after VLC.
• This approach offers advantages in reducing specific types of post-operative pain, potentially enhancing patient recovery.
• Findings suggest a novel application of local anesthetics for targeted pain relief in minimally invasive procedures.