While the adoption of laparoscopic surgery has enhanced patient safety, comfort and satisfaction, a considerable number of patients experience post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP), which can slow down recovery. The literature in English language was reviewed after searching major academic databases and engines, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Web of Science to summarize the current understanding of the etiopathogenesis, associated risk factors, and management strategies for post-laparoscopic shoulder pain. The precise etiology remains undefined, and several theories have been proposed to account for PLSP. The most accepted theory suggests that PLSP is a form of referred pain caused by irritation of the diaphragm due to stretching from the pneumoperitoneum or the presence of residual gases and fluids. Currently, there are no universally accepted protocols for either the prevention or treatment of PLSP; consequently, a wide range of modalities are applied based on the surgeon's expertise and preference. There is a clear need to improve awareness of this condition to enable the standardization of management options, thus optimizing patient benefits.
Salati et al. (Thu,) studied this question.