Randomised, Placebo Controlled Trial of Ropivocain Wound Infusion in Laparoscopic Colonic Resection

INTERVENTION: Ropivocain (a form of local anaesthetic) infusion (10mL/hr) at the surgical incision site using fine bore catheter inserted at the time of wound closure. Infusion commences upon application of the wound dressings and continues until postoperative day 3. At this time the catheter is to be removed by nursing staff on the ward 72 hours after the infusion started. Laparoscopic procedures are best known as keyhole procedures and involve using long instruments to manipulate the organs within the abdomen through very small incisions. Colonic resection refers to the removal of a part of the large bowel for a variety of indications although the most common indications are sepsis due to local perforation and malignancy. CONDITION: pain relief following laparoscopic colorectal surgery PRIMARY OUTCOME: opioid requirements postoperatively visual analogue pain scale ratings of postoperative pain SECONDARY OUTCOME: time to return to bowel function ‐ flatus, bowel motion, tolerating fluids and normal diet INCLUSION CRITERIA: all patients booked for elective laparoscopic colonic resection over the age of 18 who are able to give informed consent