• C Barthelsson, G Sandblom, S Ljesevic-Nikoletic, and F Hammarqvist.
• Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, B42, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden, cajsa.barthelsson@ki.se.
• World J Surg. 2015 Jun 1; 39 (6): 1413-20.

IntroductionThe postoperative installation of isotonic saline in the abdomen has been suggested as a method to reduce the effect of local toxins, thereby reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this randomized prospective double-blind trial was to assess whether installation of isotonic saline can reduce postoperative pain and nausea following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).MethodsAltogether 71 LC patients were randomized to either intra-abdominal instillation of isotonic saline group (S) (n = 36) or no saline (NS) group (n = 35) at the end of surgery. Data were collected by means of questionnaires. The postoperative recovery profile questionnaire was answered prior to surgery and 1 week postoperatively, SF-36 prior to surgery and at 1 month postoperatively, and a pain diary recording a Visual Analogue Scale score each day during the first week.ResultsThe overall response rate was 94%. No significant differences were seen between the groups regarding abdominal and shoulder pain. However, the NS group reported more pain (NS = 53 %, S = 29 %) and fatigue (NS = 50%, S = 35%) than the S group postoperative day 7. Moreover, the most frequently reported problem in both groups 7 days after surgery was getting back to normal life (60%). Females reported a slower recovery profile than males and also more postoperative symptoms day 7. HRQoL results were similar between the groups.ConclusionInstillation of isotonic saline does not improve recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Postoperative pain was more often reported in the NS group than in the S group, though the difference was not significant.

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