Right Shoulder Pain After Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Causes and Recovery

Underwent laparoscopic surgery due to acute appendicitis?

On March 26, 2020, after undergoing laparoscopic surgery, I rested in the hospital bed for a day.
When trying to sleep, I experienced pain in my right shoulder, which continued until March 30, 2020.
While lying down to recuperate, I consistently felt pain in my right shoulder.
Is this related to the laparoscopic surgery? The pain seems to occur more when I am lying down or sitting back in a chair, but it does not occur when I am standing.
Why is this happening? Will the pain in my right shoulder resolve on its own? Thank you, doctor, for your response.
🙏

Cai Yicheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/30

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

During the process of laparoscopic surgery, the abdominal cavity is inflated with gas to create space for the procedure.
Temporary shoulder pain is a type of referred pain caused by the inflation of the abdomen, and it typically improves over time.

Reply Date: 2020/03/30

More Info

Right shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery, such as an appendectomy, is a relatively common phenomenon that can be attributed to several factors related to the surgical procedure itself. During laparoscopic surgery, carbon dioxide gas is insufflated into the abdominal cavity to create a working space for the surgeon. This gas can irritate the diaphragm, which shares nerve pathways with the shoulder. As a result, patients may experience referred pain in the shoulder area, particularly on the right side, since the diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which originates from the cervical spine (C3-C5).
The pain you are experiencing while lying down or sitting against a chair back is likely due to the positioning of your body and the pressure exerted on the diaphragm and surrounding structures. When you are in a reclined position, the pressure on the diaphragm can increase, leading to heightened discomfort in the shoulder. Conversely, standing may relieve some of this pressure, allowing for a reduction in pain.
In terms of recovery, shoulder pain following laparoscopic surgery is usually self-limiting and tends to improve over time as the gas is absorbed by the body and the irritation subsides. It is not uncommon for this referred pain to last for several days to a week post-surgery. However, if the pain persists beyond this period or worsens, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider to rule out any complications or other underlying issues.

To manage the shoulder pain, you can try several approaches:
1. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate discomfort. Always follow the dosage recommendations and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

2. Positioning: Experiment with different sleeping positions or use pillows to support your body in a way that minimizes pressure on your shoulder. Elevating your upper body slightly while sleeping may also help.

3. Gentle Movement: While rest is important, gentle movement and stretching can promote circulation and help alleviate stiffness. However, avoid any movements that exacerbate the pain.

4. Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress to the shoulder area may help relax the muscles and reduce pain. Be cautious not to apply heat directly to the surgical site.

5. Follow-Up: Keep in touch with your healthcare provider regarding your recovery. If the pain does not improve or if you experience additional symptoms such as fever, increased swelling, or changes in your surgical site, seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, right shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery is typically a benign and temporary condition related to the surgical technique and the body's response to the procedure. With appropriate care and monitoring, most patients find that the pain resolves on its own as they recover from surgery. Always prioritize communication with your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Similar Q&A

Post-Appendectomy Right Abdominal Pain: Is It Normal?

I underwent an appendectomy on February 22, which led to peritonitis and sepsis. I was discharged on February 27 and returned for a follow-up appointment on March 4 to have my stitches removed. I have continued taking antibiotics and the medications prescribed by my doctor. Howev...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
The "swelling and pain in the lower right abdomen you mentioned on 2/7 should actually refer to 3/7," which is approximately one month post-surgery. After an appendectomy, whether performed via traditional open surgery or laparoscopic technique, it is normal to experien...

Post-Appendectomy Discomfort: Causes and Solutions Explained

Hello Dr. Ke: I underwent laparoscopic appendectomy on April 6, 2020. During the recovery period over the past two months, I occasionally experience discomfort in my abdomen, specifically to the right of my navel. Could this be related to gastrointestinal motility issues? If not,...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Mild abdominal pain after surgery is inevitable, even with minimally invasive procedures, as there may be some adhesions and tissue damage. A temporary light diet is recommended. If the abdominal pain is severe, you should return to the clinic for a medical examination and treatm...

Post-Appendectomy Pain: Understanding Causes and Management of Abdominal Discomfort

After undergoing laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis with localized peritonitis, I experienced no discomfort for the first two months. However, for the past two months, up until now, four months post-surgery, I have been experiencing dull and cramping pain in the lower right ab...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It may be adhesions; you can try applying local heat for pain relief.

Post-Appendectomy: Understanding Pain and Recovery Concerns

Hello, Dr. Hsu. I went to the emergency room on the evening of July 31 due to pain in my lower right abdomen, and I was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. I underwent an appendectomy on August 1, during which a urinary catheter and a drainage tube were inserted. The stitches were...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
(1) Your description is summarized as follows: Acute appendicitis surgery on July 31, removal of stitches and drainage tube on August 12, and experiencing tearing pain in the lower right abdomen along with generalized weakness and nausea on August 30-31. To confirm the diagnosis ...