Postoperative pain management after inguinal hernia repair: lornoxicam versus tramadol.

BACKGROUND

In this randomized and prospective study, we compared the analgesic effects of lornoxicam and tramadol in patients after inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

A total of 160 patients were assigned in a randomized manner into two groups. Group L received 8 mg lornoxicam i.v. at the end of the operation, followed by 8 mg 12 h after the operation. Group T received 1 mg/kg tramadol at the end of the operation and every 6 h up to 24 h postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was assessed at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery.

RESULTS

All patients completed the study. All vital signs were within normal ranges. The mean VAS score in Group L and in Group T was 21.66 +/- 14.64 and 19.75 +/- 11.82, respectively. No significant differences were found between groups with respect to VAS score. Eight (10%) patients in Group T had nausea.

CONCLUSIONS

Lornoxicam 8 mg i.v. and b.i.d., tramadol 1 mg/kg at the end of the surgery and every 6 h up to 24 h after inguinal hernia repair provided rapid and effective analgesia and was well tolerated.