Intravenous buscopan for analgesia following laparoscopic sterilisation

Following reports that tubal smooth muscle spasm may contribute to pelvic p ain following laparoscopic sterilisation, we studied the effect of buscopan (an anticholinergic agent used to relieve smooth muscle spasm) on 45 patie nts undergoing general anaesthesia for day-case laparoscopic sterilisation. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either buscopan 20 mg or salin e placebo after induction of anaesthesia. There were no significant differe nces in pain scores or postoperative analgesic requirements between the two groups. We conclude that intravenous buscopan confers no benefit in day-ca se laparoscopic sterilisation.