Comparison of Local Infiltration of Bupivacaine and Tramadol in Post- Operative Pain Management in Children after Inguinal Herniotomy

Abstract

Introduction: Adequate pain control is essential in immediate postoperative period. Different methods are being used to provide pain management but none of these is completely effective. Regional blocks are becoming more popular then systemic opioids in all age groups due to efficacy and safety of agents used. The objective of this study was to establish the effectiveness of tramadol and bupivacaine for pain control after inguinal herniotomy in children. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at pediatric surgery department, services hospital Lahore over 2 years. Two hundred and eighty four cases randomly divided into two groups B (Bupivacaine) & T (Tramadol). Bupivacaine (dose of 2 mg/kg) in group B or Tramadol (2mg/kg) in group T was infiltrated in the wound. Postoperatively pain score was measured using Wong-Baker Faces pain scale (WBFPS) at 0,1,2,4 and 8 hours. Both groups experienced side effects. Results: Age and gender distribution in both groups were comparable. Pain score in both Groups was equal at 0- hours. However at 1-hour, 2-hour and 4-hour, pain score was slightly more in Group-B, But at 8-hours mean pain score was markedly raised in Group-B as compared to Group-T (3.32 ± 1.42 vs 2.45 ± 1.35). Only complication noted in patients was vomiting which was higher in Group T. Conclusion: Locally infiltrated Tramadol is a better choice than bupivacaine as a local anesthetic for pain management in children after inguinal herniotomy. Further research is needed to elucidate any benefits it may have in other surgeries.