OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of systematic local infiltration analgesia on postoperative pain in vaginal hysterectomy, and describe the technique in detail.

DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study following the CONSORT criteria.

SETTING: A university hospital.

PATIENTS: Thirty-seven patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy.

METHODS: Patients received high-volume (50 mL) ropivacaine 0.50% (n = 20) or saline (n = 17) infiltration using a systematic technique ensuring uniform delivery to all tissues incised, handled or instrumented during the procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain, nausea, vomiting and opioid requirements were assessed for 32 h as well as time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit and time to first mobilization.

RESULTS: Pain at rest was significantly reduced after one, four and eight hours in the ropivacaine group (p ≤ 0.001-0.01). Pain during coughing was significantly reduced after one and four hours (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.003), and pain during movement was significantly reduced after four hours (p ≤ 0.02). Opioid requirements and time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit were significantly reduced in the ropivacaine group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), as well as the time to first mobilization (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Intra-operative systematic local infiltration analgesia reduces postoperative pain in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy, facilities mobilization and improves early recovery.