Introduction: The 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).
Methods: Altogether 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.
Results: The 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.
Conclusion: Instillation 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.