Ice-POP: Ice Packs for Postoperative Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Surgery
• Pain Management
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Postoperative pain is a significant concern following laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH).
• Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to optimize patient recovery.
• Novel adjuncts to standard pain management are continuously explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ice packs as an adjunct to standard pain management after LH.
• To determine if ice packs reduce postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted at two academic tertiary care centers.
• Patients undergoing LH for benign conditions received either standard ERAS pain management or standard ERAS plus ice packs applied in the operating room.
• Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and opioid requirements were measured in morphine milligram equivalents.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in VAS pain scores or opioid requirements was observed between the ice pack and control groups.
• A high percentage of patients found ice packs acceptable and would recommend their use.
• No adverse events were associated with the use of ice packs.

Conclusions:

• Ice packs are a safe and acceptable supplementary treatment for postoperative pain following LH.
• Current evidence suggests ice packs do not offer additional benefits in reducing pain or opioid usage compared to standard ERAS pain management.