Effect of Abdominal Binder after Laparoscopic Treatment on Postoperative Recovery (BELT): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Objective: To determine the effect of an abdominal binder on recovery after laparoscopic surgery in patients with gynecologic disease. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: A university hospital. Patients: Patients scheduled for gynecologic laparoscopy were randomly assigned to the abdominal binder (n = 33) and control groups (n = 33). Interventions: Use of an abdominal binder after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Measurements and Main Results: Sixty-six patients scheduled for gynecologic laparoscopy between April and August 2018 were prospectively included in the abdominal binder after laparoscopic treatment (BELT) trial. The primary outcome measure was postoperative pain severity assessed using a visual analogue scale at 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included the ability to walk postoperatively, respiratory function, and degree of comfort, all assessed via the self-reported questionnaire at 48 hours after surgery. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Postoperative pain scores did not significantly differ between groups. Postoperative walking and respiratory function were also statistically similar in both groups. Conclusion: The use of an abdominal binder in patients after gynecologic laparoscopy did not enhance recovery in terms of pain, respiratory function, or physical activity.