Effect of postoperative analgesia on acute and persistent postherniotomy pain: a randomized study

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Pharmacology
• Surgical Recovery

Background:

• Postoperative pain management is crucial for patient recovery.
• Understanding the efficacy of different analgesics targets key pain pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare ketorolac and tramadol for postoperative pain control after open inguinal hernia repair.
• To identify differences in analgesic efficacy, chronic pain incidence, and side effects.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, parallel-group, open-label study involving 200 patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.
• Patients received either ketorolac or tramadol for three days post-surgery.
• Analgesic efficacy (Numeric Rating Scale), chronic pain, side effects, and complications were assessed up to three months.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in analgesic efficacy between ketorolac and tramadol groups (26% vs. 32% with NRS ≥4 within 96 hours, P=.43).
• Higher incidence of side effects in the tramadol group (12% vs. 6%), notably constipation.
• Similar development of chronic pain (one patient in each group).

Conclusions:

• Ketorolac and weak opioids (tramadol) are equally effective for acute and persistent postsurgical pain after inguinal hernia repair.
• Drug selection should consider potential side effects and patient comorbidities.
• Further research is needed to optimize persistent postsurgical pain prevention strategies.