[Single-shot ropivacaine wound infiltration during cesarean section for postoperative pain relief]

To assess the efficiency of single-shot ropivacaine wound infiltration during cesarean section for postoperative pain relief, using a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

One hundred consecutive patients with planned cesarean section were enrolled between September 2007 and May 2008 and randomized into two groups: single-shot wound infiltration of 20mL of ropivacaine 7.5mg/mL (Group R; n=56) or single-shot wound infiltration of 20mL of saline solution (group T; n=44). The primary goal of this study was the double-blinded evaluation of the postoperative pain after coughing and leg raise using the 100-mm visual analog scales (VAS) during the first 48 postoperative hours after cesarean delivery. The secondary goals were the occurrence of nausea and vomiting and the morphine consumption.

Numerical pain rating scale for pain evaluation was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the ropivacaine group than in the control group at M0, M20, M40, M60, H2 and H4. But, at H8, H12 and H24, no significant difference for VAS was noted between the two groups. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting and the total morphine consumption were not significantly different between the two groups during the first 48 postoperative hours.

Single-shot ropivacaine wound infiltration during planned cesarean section is a simple and safe procedure that provides effective reduction of post-partum pain within the first 4hours.