Wound infusion with local anaesthesia after laparotomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The use of a continuous local anaesthesia infusion after laparotomy may reduce opioid requirements and facilitate earlier return of bowel function, independent mobilization and hospital discharge.

Methods: We performed a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial on 55 patients who underwent laparotomy. Patients were randomly allocated to receive a continuous infusion of either 0.