Effect of vitamin C on morphine use after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

What this study found

Vitamin C reduced postoperative morphine use after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the first 24 hours, morphine consumption was 16.2 (10.7) mg with vitamin C versus 22.8 (13.8) mg with placebo, a difference of 6.6 mg (95% CI, 1.1 to 12.1; P = 0.02). PACU morphine use was similar between groups, and pain scores, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, sedation, and patient satisfaction were also similar. The main benefit was lower opioid requirement without clear improvement in pain ratings or adverse effects.

Study & population

Randomized controlled trial in adults aged 18 to 75 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Intervention

Vitamin C was given as a single 2 g oral prophylactic dose about 1 hour before surgery.

Key limitation

Single-center trial with a modest sample size and short postoperative follow-up.

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