Background: During laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCHE), the insufflation with warmed and humidified carbon dioxide (CO2) may reduce postoperative pain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the positive effects of heated and humidified carbon dioxide gas on patients with regard to postoperative pain after LCHE.
Patients and methods: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. 148 patients (female = 98, male = 50) scheduled for elective LCHE were randomized into two groups: receiving either heated humidified carbon dioxide, or standard gas. Intraoperative core temperature was measured. The perioperative management was identical for both groups. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog pain scale, and the amount of analgesic consumption was recorded. The postoperative pain management was also standardized and equal for both groups.
Results: 67 out of 148 received standard gas (group A), and 81 received warmed, humidified gas (group B). The groups were comparable demographically. The amount of analgesic consumption was recorded. Intraoperative core temperature was significant higher in group B than in group A. Pain was significantly less in group B (p = 0.025) 6 h postoperatively. On the first postoperative day, no significant difference in pain between the two groups was detectable (p = 0.437).
Conclusion: The use of warmed and humidified carbon dioxide during LCHE reduces postoperative pain at the day of operation.