Combined field block and ip instillation of ropivacaine for pain management after laparoscopic sterilization

We have studied the effect of ropivacaine for combined port site and mesosa lpinx infiltration, and peritoneal instillation on pain, nausea and vomitin g after laparoscopic sterilization, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled s tudy in 80 patients. The total dose of ropivacaine was 285 mg. All patients received intra- and postoperative NSAID in fixed doses. Abdominal and shou lder pain, nausea and vomiting were recorded during the first 8 h after ope ration and in a diary for 3 days. In the ropivacaine group, abdominal pain scores were lower during the first 4 h (P<0.00001), additional use of morph ine was less (P<0.001) and fewer patients had nausea or vomiting during the first 72 h (five vs 14; P<0.05). There were no signs of local anaesthetic toxicity.