bupivacaine + normal saline (UPMC Pinnacle)

Bupivacaine + normal saline is a combination of the amide-type local anesthetic bupivacaine and a 0.9% sodium chloride solution. It is being investigated by Pinnacle Health System for the management of postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Bupivacaine works by binding to the intracellular portion of voltage-gated sodium channels, blocking sodium influx into nerve cells, which prevents depolarization and the propagation of pain signals. The clinical study evaluates different delivery modalities, including port-site infiltration, intraperitoneal streaming, and aerosolization into the coelomic cavity, to optimize analgesic efficacy compared to standard care.