Methods Double blind randomised controlled trial of 128 consecutive subjects undergoing elective LC. Control -sham injection of diaphragm and sham wash over liver/GB with saline; Test treatment 'subperitoneal LA' - bupivocaine injection/sham wash; Internal control 'topical LA' - sham injection/bupivocaine wash. Primary outcome: pain scores in theatre recovery and the ward. Secondary outcomes: analgesic use, physiological observations, time to eating and mobilising, day case surgery.