Postoperative shoulder pain after laparoscopy typically lasts how long?

Postoperative shoulder pain after laparoscopy typically lasts how long?

• A. 6-12 hours
• B. 4-6 days
• C. 1-3 days
• D. 1-2 weeks

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that shoulder pain after laparoscopy is usually a short-lived, referred pain caused by residual CO2 irritating the diaphragm. This discomfort typically lasts about one to three days as the gas is absorbed and the irritation settles. It often peaks within the first day and gradually improves, usually resolving by day three. Shorter durations like 6–12 hours are less typical, while longer periods such as several days to weeks are not expected in most cases.

The key idea is that shoulder pain after laparoscopy is usually a short-lived, referred pain caused by residual CO2 irritating the diaphragm. This discomfort typically lasts about one to three days as the gas is absorbed and the irritation settles. It often peaks within the first day and gradually improves, usually resolving by day three. Shorter durations like 6–12 hours are less typical, while longer periods such as several days to weeks are not expected in most cases.