The impact of a pulmonary recruitment maneuver to reduce post-laparoscopic shoulder pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

A pulmonary recruitment maneuver (PRM) can effectively reduce post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP). However, a high-pressure PRM may cause pulmonary barotrauma. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a PRM using two different maximum inspiratory pressures (40 and 60cmHO) for reducing PLSP.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy were randomly allocated to a control group (n=30), a 40 cmHO PRM group (n=30), and a 60 cmHO PRM group (n=30). In the control group, residual carbon dioxide was removed by passive exsufflation through the port site. In the two intervention groups, the PRM consisting of five manual pulmonary inflations was performed at the end of surgery with a maximum pressure of 40 cmHO or 60 cmHO, respectively. Shoulder pain and wound pain were recorded using a visual analogue scale at 24 and 48h postoperatively.

RESULTS

Wound pain scores at 24 and 48h post-surgery were not different between the three groups. The PLSP scores in the two intervention groups were significantly lower than that seen in the control group at 24 and 48h postoperatively (P=0.006 and P<0.001, respectively). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the PLSP scores between the two intervention groups.

CONCLUSION

A low-pressure PRM (40cmHO) is as effective as a high-pressure PRM (60cmHO) for removing residual gas from the peritoneal cavity. PRM using a maximal inspiratory pressure of 40cmHO is safe and efficacious for the reduction of PLSP.