Comparison of lornoxicam and low-dose tramadol for management of post-thyroidectomy pain.

OBJECTIVES: The present study sought to compare the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of intravenous (IV) lornoxicam and tramadol to investigate if lornoxicam is a reasonable alternative to a weak opioid for post-thyroidectomy pain.

METHODS: Fifty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II, 18 to 65 years of age, and who underwent thyroidectomy were assigned to 2 groups in a randomized manner. Group L received 8 mg of lornoxicam IV and Group T received 1 mg/kg of tramadol IV at conclusion of the operation. Pain intensity of patients was recorded at 15 and 30 minutes, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the initial dose with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Ramsey Sedation Scale. Electrocardiogram, heart rate, systolic/diastolic and average artery pressure and peripheral oxygen saturations were monitored continuously during this period. Patients completed satisfaction questionnaires at 24th hour.

RESULTS: Both drugs produced acceptable analgesia; however, significantly fewer patients reported 1 or more adverse events with lornoxicam than with tramadol. Most commonly seen in Group T was nausea/vomiting. NRS scores at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour were lower in Group L than in Group T (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups after postoperative first hour. First analgesic requirement time was significantly longer in Group L compared to Group T (p<0.001). No serious complications were seen in either group.

CONCLUSION: Lornoxicam is a safe and effective analgesic that may be used with fewer complications than low-dose tramadol for treatment of moderate to severe postoperative pain.