Diclofenac sodium versus fentanyl for analgesia in laparoscopic sterilization

The effectiveness of an anaesthetic technique employing diclofenac sodium as an analgesic given preoperatively by intramuscular injection was compared against one employing intravenous fentanyl in patients undergoing laparoscopic sterilization. Postoperative pain was marked and both drugs provided partial relief only. Patients in the diclofenac group had pain scores that were initially higher than those in the fentanyl group and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.02). Patients in the diclofenac group who received postoperative supplemental morphine analgesia recorded lower pain scores at 30 min than comparable patients in the fentanyl group (P < 0.03). These findings suggest that neither drug provides sufficient analgesia for laparoscopic sterilization when given as a sole analgesic. Investigation of a combined analgesic technique employing morphine and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is warranted.