Topical diclofenac patch for postoperative wound pain in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a randomized study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology and Pain Management
• Gynecologic Surgery
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Postoperative pain is a significant concern following laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
• Effective pain management strategies are crucial for patient recovery and reducing hospital stays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of standard analgesics versus standard analgesics plus a diclofenac transdermal patch for pain management after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
• To evaluate the impact of diclofenac transdermal patch on analgesic consumption and hospital discharge time.

Main Methods:

• A randomized prospective study was conducted with 120 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic diseases.
• Patients were assigned to receive either a diclofenac transdermal patch or a placebo patch at incisional sites post-operation.

Main Results:

• The diclofenac group showed significantly lower mean pain intensity at 12 and 24 hours post-surgery compared to the control group.
• Fewer patients in the diclofenac group required additional analgesics (35.0% vs 71.7%).
• Hospital discharge was significantly faster in the diclofenac group (28 hours vs 39 hours).

Conclusions:

• Diclofenac transdermal patch is a beneficial adjunct to standard analgesic treatment for postoperative pain control in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
• This treatment may contribute to reducing the duration of hospitalization for these patients.