Diclofenac versus pethidine in the treatment of pain after hysterectomy.

A double-blind study was performed in 63 patients to compare diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), pethidine and placebo with regard to efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of pain after abdominal hysterectomy. The compounds were injected post-operatively and the duration of pain relief was chosen as the parameter of efficacy. Pain intensity was measured on a visual analogue scale by the patient and according to a six-point scale by the investigator. Diclofenac gave significantly longer pain relief than pethidine or placebo. Few side-effects were reported after diclofenac and placebo, and post-operative bowel paralysis tended to be shorter with diclofenac.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes