POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIC REQUIREMENT IN ROBOT-ASSISTED VERSUS CONVENTIONAL LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background:

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) offers enhanced visualization and precision compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS). Its impact on postoperative analgesic requirement remains under evaluation.

Objective:

To compare postoperative analgesic consumption between robot-assisted surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Methods:

This comparative study included 80 patients undergoing elective minimally invasive abdominal surgeries at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were equally allocated to RAS (n = 40) and CLS (n = 40). Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 6, 12, and 24 hours. Total 24-hour analgesic consumption, need for rescue opioid analgesia, and length of hospital stay were recorded. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

 Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). VAS scores were similar at 6 hours (p = 0.28) but significantly lower in the RAS group at 12 hours (3.2 ± 1.1 vs 4.5 ± 1.4; p < 0.001) and 24 hours (2.1 ± 0.9 vs 3.4 ± 1.2; p < 0.001). Mean 24-hour analgesic consumption was significantly reduced in the RAS group compared with the CLS group (79.5 ± 18.6 mg vs 101.2 ± 22.4 mg; p < 0.001). Rescue opioid analgesia was required in 22.5% of RAS patients versus 50% of CLS patients (p = 0.01). Hospital stay was shorter in the RAS group (2.6 ± 0.8 vs 3.1 ± 1.0 days; p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Robot-assisted surgery is associated with significantly lower postoperative pain scores, reduced overall analgesic consumption, decreased need for rescue opioid administration, and shorter hospitalization compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery. These findings support the role of robotic techniques in enhancing postoperative recovery and patient comfort.