English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The search for an ideal drug for postoperative analgesia is ongoing. Diclofenac is commonly used drug for this purpose in different routes. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of transdermal diclofenac with intramuscular diclofenac for postoperative analgesia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective comparative study was conducted in the department of anaesthesiology in a medical college & general hospital. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study subjects were 200 patients of both sexes between 18-50 years of age who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic, gynaecological & orthopaedic surgeries on limb. They divided into two groups. Group I received intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium (75mg) & Group II received transdermal diclofenac diethylamine patch (200mg per 75 sq.cm) postoperatively. The outcome measures were pain intesity, changes in vital parameters, requirment for rescue analgesia & adverse effects. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Parametric data were analysed by using student t-test (unpaired). Non parametric data were analysed by using test of association (chi-square test). RESULTS: The mean pain score was significantly high in intramuscular diclofenac group (Group I) in laparoscopic & gynaecological surgeries (P = 0.002). Though the mean pain score was different among two groups in orthopaedic surgeries it was not statistically significant (P = 0.377). There were no significant differences in vital parameters & adverse reactions in between two groups. The requirment of rescue anlgesia was significantly more in intramuscular diclofenac group (Group I). CONCLUSIONS: Transdermal diclofenac is more effective in reducing the intensity of postoperative pain following laparoscopic & gynaecological surgeries but the effect is similar to intramuscular