In laparoscopic prostatectomy, overall pain is a conglomerate of three different and clinically separate components: incisional pain (somatic pain), visceral pain (deep intra abdominal pain), and shoulder pain due to peritoneal stretching and diaphragmatic irritation associated with carbon dioxide insufflation. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that intense acute pain after laparoscopic prostatectomy may predict development of chronic pain. Without effective treatment, this ongoing pain may delay recovery, mandate inpatient admission, and thereby increase the cost of such care.
