Abstract
Objectives: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated intraperitoneal (IP)
lidocaine administration and intravenous (IV) lidocaine infusion for postoperative pain control after
laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
Methods: Patients who underwent LC were randomized to either group IV (intravenous lidocaine
infusion), group IP (intraperitoneal lidocaine administration), or group C (control, IP and IV saline).
Outcome measures were total postoperative pain severity (TPPS), total fentanyl consumption
(TFC), frequency of administering patient-controlled analgesia (FPB), and a pain control satisfaction
score (PCSS).
Results: Significantly reduced TPPS, TFC and FPB scores were observed in groups IP (n¼22) and
IV (n¼26) compared with controls (n¼24). PCSS was higher in groups IP and IV than in controls.
At 2 h postoperation, TPPS was significantly lower in group IP than group IV; at 0–2 h
postoperation, FPB was lower in group IP than group IV.
Conclusions: The IP administration of lidocaine and IV lidocaine infusion significantly reduced
postoperative pain and opioid consumption in LC patients, compared with control infusions. For
convenience, IV lidocaine could be used for pain reduction following LC; IP administration places
additional burden on the surgeon.