Patient-controled analgesia with tramadol versus tramadol plus lysine acetyl salicylate

By using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) delivery system, we compared the clinical advantages and disadvantages of PCA with tramadol and PCA with a mixture of tramadol plus lysine acetylsalicylate (a soluble aspirin). Fi fty adult patients who had undergone major orthopedic surgeries were enroll ed into a prospective randomized, and double-blinded study. The general ane sthesia was performed in a standard manner. At the beginning of wound closu re, an equal volume dose of either tramadol 2.5 mg/kg (Group 1) or tramadol 1.25 mg/kg + lysine acetyl saticylate 12.5 mg/kg mixture (Group 2) was adm inistered slowly IV. These solutions were continued post-operatively for IV PCA. Pain control, patient satisfaction, vital signs, and adverse effects were assessed far 48 h. Visual Analog Scale less than or equal to3 could be achieved with either group. Total tramadol consumption was significantly l ess in Group 2 than in Group 1 (614 +/- 259 mg vs 923 +/- 354 mg) (P < 0.05 ). Patients in Group 2 were more alert (P < 0.05). Blood loss from the surg ical drain was similar, 865 +/- 275 mL (Group 1) vs 702 +/- 345 mL (Group 2 ). We conclude that aspirin can be used as an effective and safe adjuvant t o tramadol for PCA after orthopedic surgery.