Parecoxib vs. lornoxicam in the treatment of postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered as an effective treatment of postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. COX-2 inhibitors are newer drugs having less adverse effects. Data supporting their efficacy postoperatively in comparison to older non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are scarce. Our study is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of lornoxicam vs. parecoxib for the management of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We enrolled 76 patients, ASA I and II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were randomized to receive before induction parecoxib 40 mg i.v., lornoxicam 8 mg i.v. or placebo. Pain at rest and on movement was assessed using a visual analogue scale at 0, 6, 12 h postoperatively. Total meperidine consumption and adverse effects were also recorded. At 12 h, visual analogue scale scores at rest and on movement were significantly lower with parecoxib and lornoxicam compared with control ( P = 0.047). The percentage of patients needing meperidine and the average dose of meperidine administered was significantly lower with parecoxib and lornoxicam compared with control (P < 0.001 and P = 0.018). There was no difference between parecoxib and lornoxicam. One patient receiving lornoxicam vomited. Parecoxib 40 mg i.v. and lornoxicam 8 mg i.v. were equianalgesic and both were more efficacious than placebo for the management of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.