Intravenous lignocaine infusion facilitates acute rehabilitation after laparoscopic colectomy in the Chinese patients.

INTRODUCTION

Intravenous infusion of lignocaine has emerged in recent years as a feasible, cost-effective, and safe method to provide postoperative analgesia. There is, however, no literature about this perioperative pain control modality in Chinese patients. This study aimed to determine whether perioperative intravenous lignocaine safely reduces postoperative pain, shortens postoperative ileus, and reduces the length of hospital stay in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Between September 2012 and May 2015, 16 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer and received a 1% lignocaine infusion for 24 hours postoperatively were studied. After surgery, categorical pain scores were obtained immediately, followed by hourly pain scores at rest. Pain scores at rest and with mobilisation, and patient satisfaction score were documented on postoperative day 1. Return of bowel function was measured by time of first flatus and bowel opening. The patient's rehabilitation was assessed by time taken to tolerate diet, full mobilisation, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) self-reported pain scores at 2 hours and 6 hours after surgery were 1.5 (0-4) and 2 (0-3), respectively. The median pain scores at rest and mobilisation on postoperative day 1 were 1 (0-2.5) and 2 (2.5-5), respectively, with a median satisfaction score of 7.5 (7-9). The median times to first flatus and first bowel opening were 21 (18-35) hours and 3 (1-3) days, respectively. No patient had postoperative ileus. The median times to tolerating diet and mobilisation were 1 (1-1) day and 2 (2-3) days, respectively. The median postoperative stay was 6 (5-8) days.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous lignocaine is a safe and effective postoperative analgesic in a Chinese population. It enhances the rehabilitation process for patients following laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer.