Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of ropivacaine continuous wound instillation after joint replacement surgery

Background. As continuous wound instillation with local anaesthetichas not been evaluated after hip/knee arthroplasties, our studywas designed to determine whether this technique could enhanceanalgesia and improve patient outcome after joint replacementsurgery. Methods. Thirty-seven patients undergoing elective hip/kneearthroplasties under spinal block were randomly assigned totwo analgesia groups. Group M received continuous i.v. infusionof morphine plus ketorolac for 24 h. Then, a multi-hole 16 Gcatheter was placed subcutaneously and infusion of saline wasmaintained for 55 h. Group R received i.v. saline. Thereafterthe wound was infiltrated with a solution of ropivacaine 0.5%40 ml, then a multi-hole 16 G catheter was placed subcutaneouslyand an infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% 5 ml h^–1 wasmaintained for 55 h. Visual analogue scale scores were assessedat rest and on passive mobilization by nurses blinded to analgesictreatment. Total plasma ropivacaine concentration was measured. Results. Group R showed a significant reduction in postoperativepain at rest and on mobilization, while rescue medication requirementswere greater in Group M. Total ropivacaine plasma concentrationremained below toxic concentrations and no adverse effects occurred.Length of hospital stay was shorter in Group R. Conclusion. Infiltration and wound instillation with ropivacaine0.2% is more effective in controlling postoperative pain thansystemic analgesia after major joint replacement surgery. Br J Anaesth 2003; 91: 830–5     

The analgesic efficacy of continuous wound instillation with ropivacaine after open hepatic surgery

The analgesic efficacy of continuous local anaesthetic wound instillation after open hepatic surgery was evaluated. Forty-eight patients scheduled for elective liver surgery were assigned to receive either ropivacaine 0.25% or saline infusion at 4 ml.h(-1) for 68 h via two multi-orifice indwelling catheters placed within the musculo-fascial layer before skin closure; plasma ropivacaine concentrations were measured during the infusion. Supplemental analgesia was provided by intravenous patient-controlled analgesia morphine. Patients in the ropivacaine group had decreased mean (SD) total morphine consumption (58 (30) mg vs 86 (44) mg, p = 0.01) and less pain at rest as well as after spirometry at 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively (p < 0.01). Forced vital capacity was reduced postoperatively in both groups, but the reduction was greater in the saline group at 12 and 24 h (p = 0.03). The mean plasma concentration of ropivacaine increased to 2.05 (0.78) μg.ml(-1) at the point when the infusion was terminated.     

The analgesic efficacy of continuous elastomeric pump ropivacaine wound instillation after appendectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of ropivacaine 0.2% when administered continuously via elastomeric pump after appendectomy. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. SETTING: Surgical ward of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 96 ASA physical status I and II patients of at least 14 years of age, undergoing appendectomy through a McBurney incision. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: 500 mg of ropivacaine in 48 hours (10 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine 20 mg, starter dose plus 5 mL/h continuous wound infusion via elastomeric pump device; n = 48) in the experimental group and 250 mL of normal saline, as placebo, in the control group. MEASUREMENTS: Postappendectomy pain, measured either with a simple verbal scale or with a visual analog scale, parenteral analgesic consumption, and global satisfaction were all measured. MAIN RESULTS: A reduction in postoperative pain was observed in the ropivacaine group. Degree of pain, with a simple verbal scale measurement of severe and unbearable, was significantly lower in the ropivacaine group than in the normal saline group from time 0 to 24 hours at rest and from time 0 to 36 hours on coughing. A significant lower pain intensity (visual analog scale) was found in the ropivacaine group both at rest and on coughing, beginning at three hours and continuing to 36 hours postoperatively. The mean number of rescue analgesic doses was significantly lower in the ropivacaine group. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of adverse events between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Wound instillation with ropivacaine 0.2% is a useful, practical, and safe method for management of postoperative pain after appendectomy.     

The postoperative analgesic efficacy of wound instillation with ropivacaine 0.1% versus ropivacaine 0.2%

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of ropivacaine concentration on wound instillation-induced postoperative analgesia following total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. SETTING: Large referral hospital. PATIENTS: 40 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. INTERVENTIONS: A standard general anesthetic was administered. In all cases surgery was performed via a Pfannenstiel incision. On completion of the surgery, a multi-orifice, 20-gauge epidural catheter was placed above the fascia such that the tip was sited at the point that demarcated 50% of the length of the surgical wound. Thereafter, the catheter was connected to an electronic patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device programmed to deliver 9 mL of drug, with a lockout time of 60 minutes and no basal infusion. Patients were randomized to receive PCA with ropivacaine 0.1% (Group 0.1) or ropivacaine 0.2% (Group 0.2). During the first 6 postoperative hours, a co-investigator administered "rescue" morphine (2 mg IV). Thereafter, "rescue" meperidine 1 mg/kg was administered on patient request. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The number of attempts to activate the PCA device and actual PCA instillations during the 24 hour study period were similar between the groups. The number of 2 mg "rescue" morphine dosages administered was 4.3 +/- 1.7 versus 4.4 +/- 2.5 for the Group 0.1 and Group 0.2, respectively. For Group 0.1 and Group 0.2, the total dose of "rescue" morphine administered during the first 6 postoperative hours was 8.7 mg +/- 3.6 versus 9.1 mg +/- 5, respectively. "Rescue" meperidine administration during the subsequent 18 hours was similar between the groups. Throughout the study period, pain scores were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: With a pre-set volume, varying the concentration of ropivacaine (0.1% versus 0.2%) does not affect the analgesic efficacy of wound instillation following total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.     

颈椎后路术后切口罗哌卡因局部浸润联合静脉自控镇痛的临床研究

目的探讨罗哌卡因局部浸润联合氯诺昔康静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)在颈椎后路术后镇痛的效果。方法择期行颈椎后路手术的患者40例,随机均分为罗哌卡因复合氯诺昔康组(L组)和单纯氯诺昔康组(C组),均采用静-吸复合麻醉。L组缝皮前用0.5%罗哌卡因20ml浸润切口周围,术毕两组均静脉注射(>15s)氯诺昔康8mg,术后均行氯诺昔康PCIA。记录术后4、8、12、24、48h的疼痛VAS评分,PCIA冲击总量,追加镇痛药使用情况以及相关不良反应。结果术后4、12、24、48hL组VAS评分明显低于C组(P<0.05)。L组PCIA冲击总量少于C组(P<0.01)。结论罗哌卡因切口局部浸润联合氯诺昔康PCIA应用于颈椎后路术后镇痛效果优于单纯氯诺昔康PCIA。     

The analgesic efficacy of patient-controlled bupivacaine wound instillation after total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

To assess the effect of local anesthetic wound instillation on visceral and somatic pain, we studied 36 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A standard general anesthetic was administered. On completion of the operation, a multiorifice 20-gauge epidural catheter was placed above the superficial abdominal fascia such that the tip was at the midpoint of the surgical wound. After surgery, either bupivacaine 0.25% (Bupivacaine group) or sterile water (Control group) was administered via a patient-controlled analgesia device programmed to deliver 9.0 mL with a 60-min lockout interval. During the first 6 h after surgery, rescue IV morphine (2 mg) was administered every 10 min until a visual analog scale score of <30 mm was achieved. Thereafter, on patient request, rescue meperidine 1 mg/kg IM was administered. When compared with the Control group, significantly (P < 0.001) less rescue analgesia was administered to patients in the Bupivacaine group. Rescue morphine administered during the first 6 h after surgery was 6 +/- 4 mg versus 12 +/- 6 mg (P < 0.001) for the Bupivacaine and Control groups, respectively. Rescue meperidine administered was 29 +/- 37 mg versus 95 +/- 36 mg (P < 0.001) for the Bupivacaine and Control groups, respectively. Nausea and antiemetic drug administration was significantly (P = 0.003) less in the Bupivacaine group. Pain scores were similar between the groups. Patient satisfaction was significantly (P = 0.04) more in the Bupivacaine group. We conclude that bupivacaine wound instillation decreases opioid requirements and nausea in the first 24 h after total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. IMPLICATIONS: Bupivacaine instillation via an electronic patient-controlled analgesia device provides effective analgesia after total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.     

罗哌卡因联合地塞米松局部浸润改善骨与关节手术后镇痛效果

目的探讨罗哌卡因联合地塞米松手术区域局部浸润镇痛能否改善骨与关节手术后疼痛及减少术后口服镇痛药量。方法将2014年6月至8月我院51例需行骨关节手术患者随机分成两组,实验组术中局部浸润0.1%罗哌卡因20 m L(200 mg)联合地塞米松2 mg,对照组术中局部浸润等量生理盐水。记录患者术后4、8、12、24、48 h疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS),给予自觉疼痛难忍者口服镇痛药。主要评价指标为术后VAS评分;次要评价指标为口服镇痛药物剂量及首次口服镇痛药物距手术结束时间、术后不良反应、总体满意度等。结果实验组与对照组术后8、12、24、48 h VAS评分有统计学差异,两组口服奇曼丁总剂量、总体满意度有统计学差异。结论罗哌卡因联合地塞米松手术区域局部浸润可显著降低骨与关节手术后静息疼痛,减少需使用镇痛药物的人数,延迟术后镇痛药物应用时间,减少镇药物使用剂量。     

The clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal ropivacaine for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery is less than after laparotomy, and patients may benefit from an intraperitoneal injection of local anesthetic. Thirty-seven ASA physical status I or II patients received in double-blinded fashion 20 mL of 0.9% saline solution (placebo), ropivacaine 0.25% (Rop 0.25%), or ropivacaine 0.75% (Rop 0.75%) immediately after trocar placement and at the end of surgery. We measured pain and morphine consumption until 20 h after surgery. Plasma ropivacaine concentrations were measured. The three groups were comparable for shoulder pain, parietal pain, and incidence of side effects. Visceral pain at rest, during cough, and on movement and total consumption of morphine were significantly smaller in Groups Rop 0.25% and Rop 0.75% when compared with Placebo. Although no adverse effect occurred in any patient, the largest dose led to large plasma concentrations of ropivacaine (2.93 +/- 2.46 microg/mL and 3.76 +/- 3.01 microg/mL after the first and second injection, respectively). We conclude that intraperitoneal administration of ropivacaine before and after surgery significantly decreases postoperative pain. Because the smaller dosage (2 x 50 mg) provided similar analgesia and was associated with significantly smaller plasma concentrations than the larger dosage (2 x 150 mg), this smaller dosage seems more appropriate. IMPLICATIONS: Intraperitoneal ropivacaine 100 mg injected during laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly decreased postoperative pain when compared with injection of intraperitoneal placebo. At this dose, plasma concentrations remained in the nontoxic range,     

Continuous wound infiltration with ropivacaine reduces pain and analgesic requirement after shoulder surgery

After achieving a reduction of pain scores for 10 h with a single dose wound infiltration after shoulder surgery, we examined in a prospective, placebo-controlled and double-blinded study the analgesic effects of continuous wound infiltration with different concentrations of ropivacaine. Forty-five patients undergoing shoulder surgery were randomly assigned into three groups to receive single dose wound infiltration with 30 mL saline (group S) or ropivacaine 7.5 mg/mL (groups R2 and R3.75) after skin closure. Postoperatively, patients received a continuous wound infiltration with saline (group S), ropivacaine 2 mg/mL (group R2) or ropivacaine 3.75 mg/mL (group R3.75) for 48 h. Supplemental pain relief was provided by IV patient-controlled analgesia with the opioid piritramide. At 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 48 h postoperatively visual analogue scale (VAS) values (0-100 mm), piritramide requirements and side effects were registered. Plasma levels of ropivacaine were measured preoperatively and at 24 h and 48 h after surgery. Until 48 h VAS values were smaller in group R3.75 compared with group S (group R3.75, 8 +/- 9 mm; group S, 31 +/- 14 mm; P < 0.005), whereas 4 h and 48 h postoperatively VAS values were even smaller in group R3.75 compared with group R2 (P < 0.05). Cumulative piritramide consumption was always smaller in groups R2 and R3.75 compared with group S (1-24 h, P < 0.005; 48 h, P < 0.05). Plasma ropivacaine levels remained less than the toxic threshold. We conclude that continuous postoperative wound infiltration with ropivacaine, especially using 3.75 mg/mL, provides smaller VAS values and opioid requirement in comparison with saline after shoulder surgery. IMPLICATIONS: The continuous postoperative wound infiltration after shoulder surgery with different concentrations of ropivacaine, 2 mg/mL and 3.75 mg/mL, results in lower pain scores and opioid requirement compared with infiltration with placebo. Plasma levels of ropivacaine remained less than the toxic threshold.     

Postoperative analgesia by continuous extradural infusion of ropivacaine after upper abdominal surgery

Ropivacaine is a new local anaesthetic with advantages that suggest an important role in the provision of postoperative analgesia. The main aim of this study was to investigate the dose-response relationship of extradural infusion of ropivacaine. We studied 36 ASA I-III patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery during general anaesthesia and extradural block (catheter insertion at T6-9) using 0.5% ropivacaine in a randomized, double-blind study. After surgery nine patients each received an extradural infusion of either ropivacaine 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% or saline at a rate of 10 ml h-1 for 21 h. All patients had access to i.v. morphine via a PCA device. The ropivacaine groups consumed significantly less morphine over the 21-h infusion period than the saline group (medians: saline 75 mg; 0.1% ropivacaine 32 mg; 0.2% ropivacaine 39 mg; 0.3% ropivacaine 13 mg) (P < 0.05). Pain (VAS scores) at rest was significantly lower in all ropivacaine groups than in the saline group after 4 h of infusion (medians: saline 45 mm; 0.1% ropivacaine 15 mm; 0.2% ropivacaine 12 mm; 0.3% ropivacaine 0 mm). Pain on coughing was significantly less in all ropivacaine groups than in the saline group after 4 h infusion (medians: saline 67 mm; 0.1% ropivacaine 44 mm; 0.2% ropivacaine 33 mm; 0.3% ropivacaine 0 mm) and for 0.2% and 0.3% ropivacaine at later times. Motor block was negligible throughout the infusion. Patient satisfaction was higher in the 0.2% and 0.3% ropivacaine groups than in the two other groups.      

Concept for postoperative analgesia after pedicled TRAM flaps: continuous wound instillation with 0.2% ropivacaine via multilumen catheters. A report of two cases.

Pedicled TRAM flap surgery is a complex procedure characterised by an extensive wound site. We present two patients with efficient postoperative pain relief by continuous wound instillation of ropivacaine 0.2% via two multilumen catheters. The catheters were placed subcutaneously before the wound closure through the umbilicus into the abdominal wound, and under the autologous flap into the breast. Each multilumen catheter provides even distribution for local anaesthetics over 12.5 cm. At the end of surgery, patients received a single shot dose of local anaesthetic via the pain catheters. After surgery the continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% was commenced at a rate of 10 ml/h per catheter. Pain scores at rest and on coughing were low on the first postoperative day, and later zero. No medication for breakthrough pain was required throughout the recovery period, and the patients experienced no adverse events linked to the analgesia scene. Patient satisfaction was excellent, and quality of recovery score was superior.     

Clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics of 1% ropivacaine and 0.75% bupivacaine in peribulbar anaesthesia for cataract surgery

Peribulbar anaesthesia with 1% ropivacaine and 0.75% bupivacaine, both with hyaluronidase, was assessed in a prospective, randomised, double-blind study of 100 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from 22 subjects. Akinesia of the globe developed slightly more rapidly in the ropivacaine group, but this difference was only statistically significant at 2 min after injection of the local anaesthetic. Lid akinesia was significantly more complete in the ropivacaine group. There were no differences between the groups with respect to peri-operative analgesia or duration of akinesia. The dose-adjusted maximum concentration of ropivacaine was approximately twice that of bupivacaine with significantly higher values of the area under the concentration-time curves. No drug-related adverse effects were observed. We conclude that there are no clinically significant differences in the quality of the sensory and motor block between 1% ropivacaine and 0.75% bupivacaine when used for peribulbar anaesthesia.     

Lidocaine versus ropivacaine for continuous interscalene brachial plexus block after open shoulder surgery

BACKGROUND: This study compared the postoperative infusion of 1% lidocaine and 0.2% ropivacaine for continuous interscalene analgesia in patients undergoing open shoulder surgery. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing open shoulder surgery received an interscalene brachial plexus block with 30 ml of either 1.5% lidocaine (n = 20) or 0.5% ropivacaine (n = 20), followed by a continuous patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with 1% lidocaine or 0.2% ropivacaine, respectively. A blinded observer recorded the quality of analgesia and recovery of motor function during the first 24 h of infusion. RESULTS: Onset of the block occurred after 7.5 (5-40) min with lidocaine and 30 (10-60) min with ropivacaine (P = 0.0005). Postoperative pain intensity was higher with lidocaine than ropivacaine for the first 8 h of infusion. The ratio between boluses given and demanded from the pump was 0.5 (0.13-0.7) with lidocaine and 0.7 (0.4-1.0) with ropivacaine (P = 0.005). Rescue IV tramadol was required during the first 24 h of infusion by 16 patients of the lidocaine group (84%) and eight patients of the ropivacaine group (46%) (P = 0.05). At the 16 h and 24 h observation times a larger proportion of patients receiving ropivacaine had complete regression of motor block (70% and 95%) than patients receiving lidocaine (50% and 55%) (P = 0.05 and P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although 1% lidocaine can be effectively used for postoperative patient-controlled interscalene analgesia, 0.2% ropivacaine provides better pain relief and motor function.     

CRP and leukocyte-count after lumbar spine surgery: fusion vs. nucleotomy

Background

Despite the fact that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and white blood cell (WBC) count are routine blood chemistry parameters for the early assessment of wound infection after surgical procedures, little is known about the natural history of their serum values after major and minimally invasive spinal procedures.

Methods

Pre- and postoperative CRP serum levels and WBC count in 347 patients were retrospectively assessed after complication-free, single-level open posterior lumbar interlaminar fusion (PLIF) (n = 150) for disc degeneration and spinal stenosis and endoscopically assisted lumbar discectomy (n = 197) for herniated lumbar disc. Confounding variables such as overweight, ASA classification, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and perioperative antibiotics were recorded to evaluate their influence on the kinetics of CRP values and WBC count postoperatively.

Results

In both procedures, CRP peaked 2–3 days after surgery. The maximum CRP level was significantly higher after fusion: mean 127 (SD 57) (p < 0.001). A rapid fall in CRP within 4–6 days was observed for both groups, with almost normal values being reached after 14 days. Only BMI > 25 and long duration of surgery were associated with higher peak CRP values. WBC count did not show a typical and therefore interpretable profile.

Conclusion

CRP is a predictable and responsive serum parameter in postoperative monitoring of inflammatory responses in patients undergoing spine surgery, whereas WBC kinetics is unspecific. We suggest that CRP could be measured on the day before surgery, on day 2 or 3 after surgery, and also between days 4 and 6, to aid in early detection of infectious complications.In spinal surgery, the rate of postoperative deep wound infection depends on the type of surgery and on patients'' premorbidity, and ranges from 0.7% for simple nucleotomy to over 3.5% for fusion with instrumentation, and can reach 20% in patients with metastatic disease (Wimmer et al. 1998, Weinstein et al. 2000). Early detection of postoperative infection, especially in spine surgery, can be difficult. Numerous plasma values have been used in monitoring of infection-related responses after spine surgery. These plasma determinations range from simple and inexpensive tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (Thelander and Larsson 1992, Meyer et al. 1995) to the complex determination of soluble biomarkers of inflammatory response such as quantification of cytokines (Huang et al. 2005). The value of ESR as an early marker of infection has been disputed (Larsson et al 1990, Meyer et al. 1995, Khan et al. 2006) and the latter methods are complicated and difficult to interpret, and are also very expensive.The acute-phase-related C-reactive protein (CRP) is a feasible parameter for detection and monitoring of postoperative wound infections and systemic inflammatory response syndromes (Foglar and Lindsey 1998, Neumaier et al. 2006, Takahashi et al. 2006). Serial CRP measurements are useful not only as a diagnostic tool for infection, but also for monitoring the effect of treatment and for the early detection of relapse (Larsson et al 1990, Codine et al. 2005, Mok et al. 2008). As with other orthopedic surgical procedures, surgery of the spine induces a temporary rise in CRP (Garnavos et al. 2005, Neumaier et al. 2006, Mok et al. 2008). One prerequisite for the use of CRP as a diagnostic aid after spine surgery in the early detection of postoperative infection is an understanding of the natural CRP response induced by the procedure. To establish this baseline, we examined CRP levels and white blood cell (WBC) count after 2 types of surgical procedures of the lumbar spine. In addition, we assessed the degree to which postoperative CRP kinetics is influenced by patient comorbidity and by perioperative administration of prophylactic antibiotics.     

Serum and wound drain ropivacaine concentrations after wound infiltration in joint arthroplasty

Ropivacaine blood and drain levels were measured in 20 hip and 15 total knee arthroplasties after intraoperative wound infiltration with 150 to 200 mL (360-400 mg) of ropivacaine, followed by a 48-hour intra-articular pain pump infusion of 1000 mg (knees) and 300 mg (hips) commencing 12 hours postoperatively. Concentrations were below 2 microg/mL over the first 12 hours before the pain pump increased levels. Peak total ropivacaine concentration ranged from 0.65 to 4.36 microg/mL with the pain pump. The high infiltration doses produced levels below or within the safe threshold of 1 to 3 microg/mL. Pain pump infusion produced some C(max) levels above 3.0 microg/mL, but there was no clinical evidence of toxicity. Wound drain amounts (0.53-26.69 mg) indicate reinfusion should be safe, although further study is needed to confirm this.     

Late sensory function after intraoperative capsaicin wound instillation

Background: Intense capsaicin‐induced C‐fiber stimulation results in reversible lysis of the nerve soma, thereby making capsaicin wound instillation of potential interest for the treatment of post‐operative pain. Clinical histological and short‐term sensory studies suggest that the C‐fiber function is partly re‐established after skin injection of capsaicin. However, no study has evaluated the long‐term effects of wound instillation of purified capsaicin on sensory functions. Methods: Patients included in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized study of the analgesic effect of capsaicin after groin hernia repair were examined by quantitative sensory testing before, 1 week and 2 years post‐operatively. The primary endpoint was occurrence of hyperalgesia/allodynia. The secondary endpoints were acute and late sensory changes between the two patient groups. Patients were blinded to the allocated treatment. Results: Twenty (100%) capsaicin and 16 (76%) placebo‐treated patients were seen at the year follow‐up. Hyperalgesia was seen in five capsaicin‐ vs. one placebo‐treated patient (P=0.2). The mechanical detection threshold was significantly increased on the operated side in the capsaicin vs. placebo group at the 1‐week follow‐up (P<0.05), but was not different at the year follow‐up (P=0.3). There were no other significant differences in sensory function on the operated side between groups at the pre‐operative, 1‐week or year post‐operative follow‐up (P>0.05). The sensory function on the contralateral side was comparable between groups throughout the study (P>0.1). Conclusion: This small‐volume study calls for further long‐term safety studies of wound capsaicin instillation.     

Preventing postoperative pain by local anesthetic instillation after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a placebo-controlled comparison of bupivacaine and ropivacaine

We tested the hypothesis that local anesthetics instilled at the end of laparoscopic gynecologic procedures are able to prevent postoperative pain at wake-up and during the first 24 h. A total of 180 patients were randomly assigned into three groups to receive an intraperitoneal instillation of 20 mL of either bupivacaine 0.5% (Group B), ropivacaine 0.75% (Group R) or saline (Group S) at the end of surgery. All patients received analgesia with acetaminophen and ketoprofen IV infusions. Pain was assessed by using a 0-10 graded numerical scale (NS) every 5 min in the postanesthesia care unit and IV morphine was administered if NS was >4. Assessment of pain was continued every 4 h on the ward, and subcutaneous morphine was injected if needed to keep the NS score < 4. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was rated on a 4-point scale. The morphine consumption at wake-up and over the first 24 h was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Group B (mean, 0.92 mg at wake-up; 3.08 mg over 24 h) and in Group R (mean, 0.25 mg at wake-up; 0.69 mg over 24 h), than in Group S (mean, 4.18 mg at wake-up; 12.93 mg over 24 h). The morphine-sparing effect of ropivacaine was significantly greater than that of bupivacaine. Both local anesthetics were effective in the prevention of PONV. We concluded that local anesthetics should be instilled in all gynecologic patients at the end of all laparoscopic procedures. Implications: Local anesthetic instillation (ropivacaine rather than bupivacaine) at the end of laparoscopy prevents postoperative pain and dramatically decreases the need for morphine. This technique, compared with placebo, is safe, improves patient comfort, shortens the stay in the postoperative care unit and decreases nursing care in the ward.