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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Shoulder Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery For Endometrial Cancer?

Hi! I had a Laproscopy for Endemetrial Cancer on May 22nd. In June I started getting shoulder pain in my riht shoulder I still have it but its more of an achiness in both shoulders. It hurts to raise my arms when changing clothes and lifting things. I have been usingSolanpas pads and Advil at times. Could this still be from the surgery or should I consult with my Dr.?
posted on Thu, 10 Aug 2017
Twitter Mon, 14 Aug 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 14 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on
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  User's Response
Hi,

As a general surgeon, shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints I hear about after surgery, however, to see it this far out is uncommon.

When we do laparoscopic procedures, we often insufflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide. This gets reabsorbed through the diaphragm and causes "referred pain" to the shoulder, as the same nerves that run through the diaphragm run up to the shoulder.

I will say that this usually occurs right after surgery and doesn't usually have a delayed onset. Usually it resolves within a few days. I'd definitely consult with your surgeon and let him or her know about your shoulder pain. It may be that you have an infection (abscess) under the diaphragm that is irritating it and causing referred pain to the shoulder. A CT scan with contrast would be able to diagnose this.

I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
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What Causes Shoulder Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery For Endometrial Cancer?

Hi, As a general surgeon, shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints I hear about after surgery, however, to see it this far out is uncommon. When we do laparoscopic procedures, we often insufflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide. This gets reabsorbed through the diaphragm and causes referred pain to the shoulder, as the same nerves that run through the diaphragm run up to the shoulder. I will say that this usually occurs right after surgery and doesn t usually have a delayed onset. Usually it resolves within a few days. I d definitely consult with your surgeon and let him or her know about your shoulder pain. It may be that you have an infection (abscess) under the diaphragm that is irritating it and causing referred pain to the shoulder. A CT scan with contrast would be able to diagnose this. I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.