Iv diclofenac and ketorolac for pain after thoracoscopic surgery

We studied intensity of pain, cumulative morphine consumption, ventilatory and renal function, and haemostasis in patients undergoing video-assisted t horacoscopic surgery and receiving a 2-day i.v. infusion of diclofenac, ket orolac or saline. Plasma concentrations of the two NSAID were also measured . The study was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled, with IO pa tients in each group. Patients experienced mainly moderate pain. Mean consu mption of i.v. morphine during the first day after operation was 57 (SEM II ) mg in the placebo group. Diclofenac and ketorolac were equally effective in reducing total morphine consumption (61% and 52%, respectively). Adverse events were similar and minor. Greater variability in plasma concentration s of ketorolac were detected compared with diclofenac.