Preincisional Analgesia With Subcutaneous Administration of Tramadol Reduces Postoperative Pain in Patients After Open Urologic Surgeries: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study



Safavi M¹ ; Honarmand A¹ ; Ghaedi F¹
Source: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences Published:2012

Abstract

Objective: Blockade of parietal nociceptive afferent nerves by wound infiltration with tramadol may be advantageous in the management of postoperative pain. The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of preincisional subcutaneous administration of two doses of tramadol on postoperative pain relief after open urologic surgeries. Methodology: Ninety-six patients scheduled for open urologic surgeries were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were divided into three groups of 32 subjects each, and they received subcutaneous administrations of tramadol at 1 mg.kg -1 (Group T1) or 2 mg.kg -1 (Group T2) or subcutaneous administrations of 10 mL of normal saline (Group C) before undergoing the surgeries. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and analgesic use were monitored for 24 h after the operation. Results: VAS scores were significantly lower at 15, 30, and 60 min after arrival at the post anesthesia care unit in Group T2 compared with Group T1 and Group C (P < 0.05). Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower at 4, 8, 16 and 24 h postoperatively in Group T2 compared with Group T1 and Group C. There were no significant differences between Group T1 and Group C on VAS scores at any time point. The time to first rescue analgesia in the postoperative period was significantly lower in Group T2 compared with Group T1 and Group C. The need for postoperative analgesia was significantly lower in Group T2 compared with Group T1 and Group C. Conclusion: Preincisional subcutaneous administration of tramadol at 2 mg.kg -1 provides effective analgesia during the first 24 hour after open urologic surgeries and does not produce significant side effects.