Intraperitoneal and periportal injection of bupivacaine for pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Purpose: To study the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal and periportal injection of bupivacaine following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods: 40 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into two groups of 20 each. Group A (study group) received 40 ml of intraperitoneal injection of 0.25% bupivacaine and 20 ml of same concentration in 4 ports, 5 ml each at the end of surgery. Group B (control) received no treatment. Post operative patient monitoring and pain assessment was done by another doctor blinded to the procedure using VAS score at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 24 hours after surgery. Pethidine 50 mg intramuscular was given as rescue analgesic when demanded by patient within first 24 hours.

Results: When VAS score was analyzed in the two groups, the study group had less scores compared to control group though it was statistically not significant (p>0.05). The rescue analgesic requirement was significantly less in study group (p<0.00).

Conclusion: Intraperitoneal and periportal injection of bupivacaine is effective in decreasing pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.