Comparison of the analgesic effects of intravenous paracetamol and lornoxicam in postoperative pain following thyroidectomies

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of intravenous (iv) paracetamol and iv lornoxicam on postoperative analgesia and the reduction in tramadol consumption. Methods: Sixty patients (ASA class 1-2, age: 18-72 years) undergoing thyroidectomy were enrolled in the study, and were randomized into three groups: Group L received 8 mg of iv lornoxicam, Group P received 1 g iv paracetamol and Group C received 100 cc of iv saline solution. All patients received standard general anesthesia. The postoperative salvage analgesic consumption was recorded at 0-6, 6-12 and 12-24 hour (h) intervals. Pain scores were evaluated with a visual analogue scale at 15 min, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h postoperatively. Results: The time to first analgesic requirement was approximately 127.5 min in Group L, 162.3 in Group P and 35.5 min in Group C, and the time was found to be significantly prolonged in Group L and Group P. Pain scores were significantly lower in Group P and Group L at 15 min, and 1, 8, 12, and 18 h. Twenty-four hour analgesic consumption was significantly lower in Group P and Group L compared to Group C. Supplemental analgesics requirement was as follows: 100% in Group C, 50% in Group L and 55% in Group P. The degree of satisfaction with postoperative pain management was excellent in 90% in Groups L and P, versus in only 30% in Group C. Conclusion: Administration of iv lornoxicam and iv paracetamol following thyroid surgery decreased the postoperative pain scores and opioid requirement, as well as the incidence of nausea and vomiting, while also prolonging the time to the first analgesic supplement.