Comparative analysis of analgesic consumption and pain relief in patients receiving 0.25% bupivacaine versus those without intervention

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, now a standard for gall bladder surgery in symptomatic cholelithiasis, has significantly renovated our perspective on the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing cholecystectomy. However, pain stands out as a significant factor necessitating overnight stays after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study investigates the comparison of the analgesic and pain relief between groups who will receive 0.25% bupivacaine and group will not receive 0.25% bupivacaine. Methods: A cross sectional study that was carried out in the department of surgery in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka over a period of six months and comprised 40 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: At 12 hours after surgery, group I had a lower mean Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score for pain (4.1±1.21) compared to group II (7.95±0.6). The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean NRS score for pain at 12 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in group I (4.72±0.61) compared to group II (6.08±0.64), suggesting a substantial reduction in pain intensity with the use of Bupivacaine during the initial 12 hours after surgery. Conclusions: Considering the observed effectiveness of local administration of 0.25% bupivacaine at the port sites in reducing postoperative pain and the associated decrease in the need for conventional analgesics, patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy may benefit from discussing this pain management approach with their healthcare providers.