The Effect of Incisional Infiltration of Bupivacaine Upon Pain and Respiratory Function Following Open Cholecystectomy

A controlled, prospective, double-blind trial of wound infiltration with bupivacaine in elective open cholecystectomy was performed to determine if this was an effective method of pain relief and reduced respiratory complications. Additionally, dextran was added to the bupivacaine in an attempt to prolong the effect. The solutions used were, bupivacaine alone 0.25% (n = 14), bupivacaine 0.25% with dextran 70 (n = 16) and saline (n = 16) as a control. To determine the effect of each solution, the subjects were assessed for pain perception and respiratory function before and after surgery. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and narcotic usage, and respiratory function was assessed by spirometry, chest X-rays and arterial blood gases. The study did not demonstrate any objective improvement in either pain relief or respiratory function. This may reflect inadequate infiltration by the surgeons in the study or that infiltration should have been performed prior to incision.