Liposomal bupivacaine reduced postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

Study Summary

Six randomized controlled trials including 629 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing liposomal bupivacaine (LB) with standard bupivacaine or ropivacaine administered through an adductor canal block (ACB). Pooled outcomes included postoperative pain, opioid consumption, nausea/vomiting, and length of stay at 1, 2, and 3 days postoperatively. LB reduced pain at postoperative day 2 and reduced opioid consumption at postoperative days 2 and 3 overall, with additional subgroup benefits depending on the comparator anesthetic. Nausea/vomiting and length of stay were similar between groups. Overall, LB may provide prolonged postoperative analgesic benefit and reduce opioid requirements after TKA without increasing common postoperative adverse effects.