Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block to Prevent Shoulder Pain After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block to prevent shoulder tip pain following primary laparoscopic gastric banding, band revision, band replacement, primary sleeve gastrectomy or revision of sleeve gastrectomy. Shoulder tip pain (STP) is a common problem after laparoscopic surgery, manifesting in the post-anesthesia care unit and for days or possibly weeks thereafter (Dixon 2005). Systemic analgesics including opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do not reliably relieve STP. This study is designed to determine if the SPG block, a simple and low-risk procedure, effectively treats STP after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.