The effect of rectal diclofenac on pruritus in patients receiving intrathecal morphine

In this prospective randomised study, pruritus and pain were evaluated in p atients undergoing abdominal surgery in which intrathecal morphine was admi nistered. Each patient received intrathecal morphine 0.3 mg prior to-induct ion, followed by a standard anaesthetic. The patients were randomly allocat ed to one of two groups. One group received 100 mg of rectal diclofenac imm ediately post-induction. Patients receiving diclofenac had significantly lo wer pruritus scores at 30 min (p = 0.0076), 2, 4, 8 and 24 h postoperativel y, as well as significantly reduced pain scares at each time point (p < 0.0 001 at each study interval). Morphine consumption in the first 24 h was als o significantly lower in this group. In conclusion, rectal administration o f diclofenac significantly reduces the incidence and severity of postoperat ive pruritus. It also significantly reduces pain and further analgesic requ irements postoperatively.