Pain control using liposomal bupivacaine versus bupivacaine for robotic assisted thoracic surgery

Background Despite a trend towards minimally invasive thoracic surgeries over thoracotomies, patients can still experience significant post-operative pain. Literature on the use of liposomal bupivacaine in patients undergoing robotic surgeries is lacking. Objective To compare pain control via intercostal nerve block with liposomal bupivacaine to bupivacaine for patients undergoing robotic assisted thoracic surgery. Setting A 455 bed community hospital. Methods This was a prospective observational study with a historical control group of 96 patients who underwent robotic lung resection. Patients in the control group received bupivacaine, while the intervention group received liposomal bupivacaine. Main outcome measure Average pain scores 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. Results There were no significant differences in average pain scores between groups. The frequency of ketorolac use on the first post-operative day was lower for those who received liposomal bupivacaine. There were no significant differences in opioid requirements, length of stay, or rate of complications. Conclusions There was no significant difference in post-operative pain control between patients receiving liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine for robotic assisted surgery.