Incidence, natural course, and characteristics of postlaparoscopic shoulder pain.

BACKGROUND: To determine the incidence, natural course, and specific characteristics of postlaparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP).

METHODS: The prospective study included 105 patients undergoing laparoscopy for benign gynecologic diseases. The intensity of pain, and the identification of the pain site, was assessed 24- and 48-h after surgery, using a visual analogue scale. The description and intensity of PLSP, its aggravating and relieving factors, and the response to analgesics were assessed over a 1-week period using a self-reported questionnaire.

RESULTS: Of 105 patients, 84 (80%) experienced PLSP. PLSP along with wound pain peaked one day after surgery, gradually subsided, and were not reported by the seventh day after surgery. Of the 84 patients experiencing PLSP, 77 (91.7%) had aggravating and relieving factors, which included position change (48.8%) and rest (42.9%), respectively. Analgesics provided significantly less pain relief for PLSP (32.7 ± 32.2%), when compared to relief of wound pain (68.0 ± 16.2%) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: PLSP, identified in 80% of our patients, resolved in most patients within the first week after laparoscopy. Since PLSP is less responsive to analgesics, when compared to wound pain, surgeons should pay attention to the prevention of PLSP among patients undergoing laparoscopy.