INTRAVENOUS TRAMADOL COMPARED TO PROPACETAMOL FOR POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA FOLLOWING THYROIDECTOMY

Abstract

S267 INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomized double-blind study is to compare the efficacy and side effects of Propacetamol, an injectable prodrug of Acetaminophen, 2g (P) and Tramadol, a weak synthetic opioid [1], 1.5 mg.kg-1 (T), given intravenously following thyroidectomy. METHODS: Following institutional approval, 80 patients undergoing thyroidectomy were divided into 2 groups (P or T). Propofol was used for induction (1-2 mg.kg-1) and maintenance (6 mg.kg-1.h-1) of anesthesia. Sufentanil boluses were injected when required. P or T was given once on request in the PACU (= t0). Residual pain was treated with Morphine using a IV PCA device. Pain and patients satisfaction were assessed using Visual Analog Scales (0-10). Sedation, occurrence of nausea and vomiting were recorded 2, 4 and 6 h after injection of the trial drug using four point rating scales. RESULTS: Demographic data and intraoperative Sufentanil use were comparable in group P and T. The same quality of analgesia was achieved in both groups as reflected by the cumulated morphine requirements, the VAS pain and VAS satisfaction scores. Every patient in each group required additional morphine. Sedation scores and incidence of nausea or vomiting (40 vs 46%; ns) were comparable in group P and T. CONCLUSIONS: Our study failed to show any difference in efficacy and side effects provided by a single intravenous dose of Propacetamol 2g or Tramadol 1.5 mg.kg-1. (Table 1 and Table 2)Table 1: Cumulated Morphine requirements (mg)Table 2: Visual Analog Scales