American journal of surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized double blinded study to determine the effectiveness of utilizing intraperitoneal bupivacaine: Does it reduce postoperative opioid use following laparoscopic appendectomy?
Improving postoperative pain control may lead to improved outcomes including decreased opioid use, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient satisfaction. This study examined the effects of instilling intraperitoneal bupivacaine following laparoscopic appendectomy. ⋯ This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study enrolled subjects with acute appendicitis undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Subjects were randomized to receive either bupivacaine or normal saline intraperitoneally at the close of surgery. In the bupivacaine group, pain scores at 1 h were improved and inpatient postoperative opioid use was less.