Where can a client experience referred pain after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, referred pain can often be experienced in the right upper shoulder. This phenomenon occurs because of the irritation of the diaphragm, which is innervated by the same spinal nerve roots that supply the shoulder area. During the procedure, carbon dioxide is used to inflate the abdomen for better visualization, which can irritate the diaphragm and lead to shoulder pain, particularly on the right side, where the gallbladder is located.

The anatomical connection between the diaphragm and the shoulder contributes to this referred pain. It's important for healthcare providers to be aware of this referred pain pattern to accurately assess and manage post-operative discomfort. Understanding this can also help in educating patients on what symptoms to anticipate after surgery, providing reassurance that shoulder pain may be a common experience after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.