Subdiaphragmatic instillation of ropivacaine, via epidural catheter, for post-operative pain control, after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Previous studies demonstrated the efficacy of subdiaphragmatic single instillation of local anaesthetic in preventing post-operative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of our study was to be able to control pain in the first 24 hours after operation by repeated instillations of ropivacaine, via an epidural catheter, installed subdiaphragmatic ally by the surgeon. Pain was assessed, using a visual analog scale at rest and at movement at fixed time intervals after surgery. Our results show a satisfactory control of pain in high percentage of patients (75.6%) in the first 24 hours after operation, administering repetitively the local anesthetic through the epidural catheter in the subdiaphragmatic space.