Using Intraperitoneal Crystalloid (NS-RL) Solutions for Post-Laparoscopic Surgery Shoulder Pain Reduction Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Laparoscopy is the technique of using the "pneumoperitoneum" process to extend and examine the abdominal cavity using CO2. Laparoscopic and other procedures produce pain, which varies in intensity, duration, and type. Crystalloid fluid types, for instance, Normal saline (NS) and Ringer's lactate (RL) solution, aid in reducing laparoscopic pain. Therefore, the research explores intraperitoneal crystalloid solutions in reducing post-laparoscopic surgery shoulder pain. The research adopted a prospective, single-blind study based on a single-center, randomized, and parallel research design. A total of 80 diagnosed patients (40 subjects in each arm) with laparoscopic surgery were randomly recruited at Zintan Medical Center, Alzintan, Libya. Patients were equally divided into Group A (crystalloid solutions) and Group B (routine measures) and were assessed through self-administered pain scores.  Through the numeric rating scale (NRS), the research findings revealed significant pain intensity differences between Groups A and B at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. In contrast, no significant difference in pain was observed between groups A and B on the fourth and fifth days. Additionally, lower pain intensity was observed in group A than in group B; at 6 hours, the mean pain score for group A and B measured 2.55 and 6.40 at 6 hours, respectively. The intraperitoneal crystalloid solutions infusion aids in reducing pain severity among laparoscopic surgery patients. Future research should address extended follow-up periods to determine the effects of NS and RL interventions. Moreover, stakeholders should implement Ringer's lactate solution (RL) to reduce post-laparoscopic complications