Is pain prophylaxis in minor gynaecological surgery of clinical value? a double-blind placebo controlled study of paracetamol 1 g versus lornoxicam 8 mg given orally.
Methods: In a prospective randomised placebo controlled double-blind study 210 ASA I-II women scheduled for elective termination of pregnancy received 1 g paracetamol, 8 mg lornoxicam or placebo orally 60 min before anaesthesia which was standardised with propofol, fentanyl and oxygen in nitrous oxide 1:2. Postoperative pain was assessed by VAS-score at 30 and 60 min after end of surgery and at discharge as primary endpoints. Need for rescue medication and time to discharge were secondary endpoints. Results: All patients had an uncomplicated course. Overall pain intensity was low, however, the patients pretreated with lornoxicam had significantly less pain after surgery, no difference could however, be seen in need for rescue medication or time to discharge between the three groups. Conclusion: General pain prophylaxis may be argued in minor gynaecological surgical procedures where postoperative pain is of low intensity. If general prophylaxis is to be given in minor gynaecological surgery, a non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) such as lornoxicam, seems more efficacious as compared to a standard dose of 1 g paracetamol.
Hein
A
A
Department of Anaesthesia, Karolinska Institute at Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
Norlander
C
C
Blom
L
L
Jakobsson
J
J