Lavage and Suction of the Right Upper Quadrant to Reduce Post Laparoscopic Shoulder Pain
Lavage and Suction of the Right Upper Quadrant to Reduce Post Laparoscopic Shoulder Pain
The use of laparoscopy in gynecologic surgery has been well established to decrease
 morbidity, blood loss, hospital stay, and post-operative pain when compared to traditional
 open abdominal surgery. However, the laparoscopic technique is associated with post-operative
 shoulder pain.

 We hypothesize that a combination of intraperitoneal saline lavage and active suction removal
 of carbon dioxide gas from the right upper quadrant of the abdomen will decrease incidence of
 post-laparoscopic shoulder pain when compared to passive exsufflation of carbon dioxide gas.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  English speaking patient

 -  Female

 -  Age 18-75

 -  must undergo laparoscopic surgery

 -  willing to participate in the study

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Male patients

 -  Under 18 or older than 75

 -  Laparoscopic procedures that get converted to laparotomy

 -  Intraoperative hemorrhage more than 500 cc

 -  Patients with active joint disease

 -  History of shoulder surgery

 -  Intraoperative laceration to the liver

 -  Malignancy

 -  Long term daily narcotic use

 -  Chronic right upper quadrant/ shoulder pain

 -  Pregnancy

 -  History of dementia, Alzheimers, stroke or other condition causing altered mental
 status