Effect of Shoulder Movement Routine on Postoperative Shoulder Pain in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Surgical Pain Management
• Postoperative Care

Background:

• Postoperative shoulder pain is a frequent complication following total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).
• Effective non-pharmacological interventions are needed to manage this common issue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a specific shoulder movement routine in alleviating postoperative shoulder pain.
• To compare the impact of a shoulder movement routine versus a hand movement routine on pain levels in women undergoing TLH.

Main Methods:

• An open-label randomized clinical trial was conducted with women undergoing uncomplicated TLH.
• Participants were assigned to either a shoulder movement routine (n=36) or a hand movement routine (control, n=39).
• Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess shoulder pain at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days post-surgery.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in shoulder pain (VAS scores) were observed between the shoulder movement group and the control group at any time point (p > 0.05).
• Demographic variables, surgery duration, and hospital stay were comparable between the two groups.
• Incisional and abdominal pain levels also showed no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The implemented shoulder movement routine did not demonstrate a significant reduction in postoperative shoulder pain for women undergoing uncomplicated TLH.
• Further research may be needed to explore alternative or modified interventions for managing shoulder pain post-TLH.