Does the Difference in Fascial Closure Technique Affect Postoperative Pain?

To compare postoperative incisional pain on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 14 when using a fascial closure device (FCD) versus a traditional fascial closure (TFC) of the 12-mm upper quadrant port during robotic surgery. Time required to close the incision was also compared.

Randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).

Two academic affiliated hospitals, The Hospital of Central Connecticut and The University of Connecticut.

Women undergoing robotic surgery for benign indications by minimally invasive gynecologists at our institutions between November 2012 and October 2014 were enrolled in the study at their preoperative visit.

Patients were randomized to either an FCD or TFC immediately before closure of the fascial incision. Pain score using a 10-point analog pain scale was recorded on POD 1 and POD 14. Time to close the fascial incision, length of surgery, and body mass index were also recorded.

Sixty-seven patients were enrolled, and 65 were randomized at the time of the fascial closure, whereas 2 enrolled patients converted to laparotomy. Statistical analysis demonstrated that pain scores differed by fascial closure technique. Mean pain scores on POD 1 were 3.43 ± 2.48 and 2.06 ± 2.03 for the FCD and TFC, respectively (p = .028). On POD 14 the mean pain scores were 1.97 ± 2.48 and .83 ± 1.42 for the FCD and TFC, respectively (p = .102). Times to close fascia were 106.5 ± 102.28 seconds and 141.97 ± 102.85 seconds for the FCD and TFC, respectively (p = .138).

Our study demonstrates that at POD 1 the use of the fascia closure device results in higher pain scores without a significant difference in closure time.