A randomized double blinded study to determine the effectiveness of utilizing intraperitoneal bupivacaine: Does it reduce postoperative opioid use following laparoscopic appendectomy?

Background: Improving postoperative pain control may lead to improved outcomes including decreased opioid use, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient satisfaction. This study examined the effects of instilling intraperitoneal bupivacaine following laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, patients with appendicitis were randomized to receive either the bupivacaine or normal saline instilled at the appendectomy site prior to close.