Preoperative diclofenac sodium reduces post-laparoscopy pain

Post-laparoscopy pain can increase recovery time and delay patient discharge. While previous studies have focused on the problems of nausea and vomiting, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of diclofenac (a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug) in the treatment of post-laparoscopy pain. Diclofenac (50 mg) or placebo was administered pr randomly and double-blind, prior to induction of anaesthesia, to 46 women. Pain intensity was assessed by the patient using a visual analogue scale 1, 12 and 24 hr after surgery. Postoperative analgesic requirements and side effects were also studied. Diclofenac resulted in better pain relief at 24 hr (1.0 vs 2.5, P < 0.05) and reduced the number of patients who needed additional postoperative analgesics (7 vs 15, P < 0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of side effects. These data suggest that diclofenac reduces post-laparoscopy pain and postoperative analgesic requirements.