The use of ketorolac in lumbar spine surgery: a cost-benefit analysis.

The use of ketorolac was studied in patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy and those receiving lumbar fusion with or without instrumentation. Laminectomy patients in the ketorolac group used significantly less narcotic analgesic than did those in the narcotic treatment group. Ketorolac patients in both surgical categories experienced better pain control than narcotic group patients did. Laminectomy ketorolac patients experienced less sedation than did those in the narcotic group, and a similar trend was noted for fusion patients. A significant improvement in postoperative ambulation was demonstrated in the fusion ketorolac group. Postoperative total drug costs were significantly greater in both ketorolac treatment groups. A one-half day decrease in hospitalization was noted for laminectomy ketorolac patients. The overall annual financial impact of the use of ketorolac in lumbar spine patients is a net savings of $211,095.