Tramadol for the treatment of catheter-related bladder discomfort: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIntra-operative urinary catheterization frequently causes postoperative catheter related bladder discomfort (CRBD) during recovery. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of tramadol, which with muscarinic receptor antagonist property, as a treatment for CRBD.MethodsNinety patients who underwent elective gynecological surgery and complained of CRBD in the (PACU) were randomized into three groups of 30 each. Group A received normal saline, group B 1mg/kg tramadol, and group C 1.5mg/kg tramadol. The medication was administered from the Murphy's dropper with a slow drip, and the severity of CRBD (none, mild, moderate, and severe) and postoperative pain were assessed after 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 6h.ResultsThe severity of CRBD was reduced in group C compared with that in groups A and B at 1h, and in groups C and B compared with that in group A at 2h. The incidence of CRBD was reduced in group C compared with that in groups A and B at 2h, and in group C compared with that in group A at 6h. The visual analog scale (VAS) was reduced in group C compared with that in groups A and B at all time intervals. No differences in adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsTramadol 1.5mg/kg was more effective than tramadol 1mg/kg in treating CRBD and reducing postoperative pain, without significant side effects.Trial registrationChiCTR1800016390. Registered on 30 May 2018.