Prospective, randomized controlled trial on use of ropivacaine after robotic thyroid surgery: Effects on postoperative pain

Abstract

Background: We evaluated the effects of ropivacaine for pain relief after robotic thyroid surgery.

Methods: One hundred eight patients scheduled for robotic thyroid surgery were randomized into ropivacaine (n = 54) or control (n = 54) groups. After surgery, 40 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine or 0.9% saline (control) was instilled into the skin flap. Postoperative pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS]), analgesic requirements (fentanyl), and adverse events were assessed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours postoperatively.

Results: One hundred three patients completed the study protocol. VAS scores were lower in the ropivacaine group than the control group (p = .010); however, VAS scores were not significantly different after 8 hours postoperatively. Total analgesic consumption was higher in controls than ropivacaine-treated patients (p = .01). Adverse events did not differ between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: Ropivacaine instillation after robotic thyroid surgery reduces acute postoperative pain and analgesic requirements without adverse events. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E-E, 2016.

Keywords: acute pain; bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA); postoperative pain; robotic thyroid surgery; ropivacaine.