Effect of abdominal binder on shoulder pain after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: A randomized, controlled trial

Background: To evaluate the impact of abdominal binder (AB) use on postoperative shoulder pain in patients recovering from laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Methods: This was a prospective randomized study conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. Overall, 144 patients underwent laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. The postoperative use of an AB for 24 hours was added to the pulmonary recruitment maneuver.

Results: Of 144 consenting patients, 72 patients each were allocated to the AB and control groups, respectively, and 14 patients were excluded. Finally, 130 patients were analyzed, with 68 in the AB group and 62 in the control group. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative shoulder pain between the 2 groups (55.9% vs 56.5%, P = 1.000). The severity of the worst shoulder pain, measured using a numerical rating scale, did not differ between the 2 groups (Median [interquartile range] 2 [0-5] vs 2 [0-5]; P = .865). The severity of surgical site pain, pain and nausea medications, and the ambulation time were not different in the 2 groups.

Conclusion: The use of an AB was not beneficial for postoperative shoulder pain following laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Surgical site pain, ambulation time, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were not improved with the use of an AB.