A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY COMPARING INTRAVENOUS TENOXICAM WITH RECTAL DICLOFENAC FOR PAIN RELIEF IN DAY-CASE SURGERY

In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, we compared intraven ous tenoxicam with rectal diclofenac for post-operative pain relief af ter day case arthroscopy or laparoscopic sterilization. intravenous te noxicam (40 mg) was administered as a single bolus at induction, or re ctal diclofenac (100 mg) was administered immediately after induction. Both groups were similar with respect to age, weight, sex of the pati ents, the operation performed and the operative time. There were no si gnificant differences observed between the groups for pain scores at 3 0 min, 60 min and 24 h post-operatively. The time to first analgesic r equirement, the dose of pethidine administered and total analgesic req uirements in the first 24 h postoperatively were equivalent in both gr oups. In view of the similar efficacy of both of these drugs, patient preference and ease of administration, the use of tenoxicam is appropr iate in many patients undergoing day case surgery.