Breaking the Pain Cycle: Hydroflotation With Promethazine and Dexamethasone for Post-laparoscopic Shoulder Pain

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become the gold standard in modern surgical practice due to its numerous advantages, including reduced intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. However, MIS is not without limitations, and one common postoperative complication is post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel hydroflotation technique utilizing Ringer's solution combined with promethazine and dexamethasone to reduce the incidence and severity of PLSP, thereby addressing a key barrier to enhanced postoperative recovery.

This study investigates a novel hydroflotation technique in which Ringer's solution, promethazine, and dexamethasone are instilled into the abdominal cavity following laparoscopic surgery. The combination aims to mitigate diaphragmatic irritation and inflammation caused by residual CO₂. Patients were monitored postoperatively for the incidence and severity of PLSP, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

Patients who underwent the hydroflotation technique experienced a notable reduction in the severity of PLSP compared to conventional postoperative management. The combination of Ringer's solution with promethazine and dexamethasone demonstrated potential in alleviating diaphragmatic irritation and inflammation, contributing to improved postoperative recovery.

The hydroflotation technique shows promise as a novel intervention for reducing PLSP following MIS. By addressing a significant postoperative complication, this technique has the potential to enhance recovery outcomes and patient satisfaction. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings and assess the broader applicability of this method.