Active intraperitoneal gas aspiration to reduce postoperative shoulder pain after laparoscopy

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether forced aspiration at the end of laparoscopy could reduce postoperative shoulder pain. Methods Forty-six patients undergoing minor gynecologic laparoscopic procedures were introduced into the study. Patients were randomly allocated to apply either forced aspiration (n = 24) or simple evacuation (n = 22) after procedures. At postoperative 6 hours, erect radiographs were performed to determine the residue gas bubble and its dimensions. The degree of postoperative pain was assessed by visual analogue scale at postoperative 6, 12, and 24 hours and postoperative analgesic requirement was recorded. Results: The two groups were similar for age, volume of CO2 used during surger, and operation time. The simple evacuation group experienced a more intense shoulder pain 6, 12 and 24 hours after surgery than the forced aspiration group and used more analgesics. intraperitoneal residue CO2 intensity of shoulder pain, and postoperative analgesic requirement. Conclusion: Forced aspiration at the end of laparoscopy is a simple measure that reduces intraperitoneal residue CO2 intensity of shoulder pain, and postoperative analgesic requirement.