Effectiveness of Vitamin C Injection in Preventing Acute Pain Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Al-Yassin, V; Dehghani, Abbasali

doi:10.22034/ijs.2026.741825

Effectiveness of Vitamin C Injection in Preventing Acute Pain Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Articles in Press

Authors

V Al-Yassin ¹

Abbasali Dehghani ²

¹ Resident in Cardiothoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Rajaie Hospital

² Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Imam Reza Hospital

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijs.2026.741825

Abstract

Background and Objective: Acute pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains a significant clinical challenge that can adversely affect recovery and patient satisfaction. Given the limitations and adverse effects associated with conventional analgesic strategies, there is growing interest in safer adjunctive approaches. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C may represent a promising option in this setting. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of
intravenous vitamin C administration in preventing acute postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 70 eligible volunteer patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants were randomly assigned to either the vitamin C group or the placebo group, with 35 patients in each group. The intervention consisted of intravenous administration of vitamin C. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during the first 24 hours after surgery. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and
chi-square tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment demonstrated significant differences between the two groups at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after surgery, indicating a sustained effect of vitamin C in reducing acute postoperative pain. Repeated-measures analysis revealed a significant effect of time on pain intensity (P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.41), showing that pain severity decreased over time in both groups. A significant group effect was also observed (P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.29), with patients in the vitamin C group experiencing overall lower pain intensity than those in the control group. In addition, the
time-by-group interaction was significant (P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.18), indicating that the reduction in pain over time was more favorable in the vitamin C group than in the control group.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that intravenous vitamin C administration is an effective and practical intervention for preventing acute pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This approach may contribute to improved clinical outcomes and an enhanced patient experience.

Keywords

Ascorbic Acid

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic

Acute Pain

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