Intraperitoneal bupivacaine for analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The effects of intraperitoneal administration of bupivacaine on pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied in a prospective, double-blind, randomised trial.

Eighty ASA 1 and 2 patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Immediately after pneumoperitoneum was obtained patients in group 1 were given 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine injected under direct vision into the hepato-diaphragmatic space, near and above the hepato-duodenal ligament and above the gallbladder. At the end of operation another 15 ml of bupivacaine was injected. Patients in group 2 were given 15 ml of 0.9% saline solution in a similar fashion. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS 100 mm) at 0.5, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery. Analgesic consumption was also recorded.

Patients' data were similar in the two groups. Pain was more intense in the saline group at each time point. Significant differences between the groups were present for up to 8 h. Analgesic consumption was significantly lower in the bupivacaine group. No side-effects occurred.

We conclude that reducing pain with intraperitoneal bupivacaine is effective, easy to administer, and without side-effects.