A double blind, randomised trial to compare the analgesic effect of oral premedication with paracetamol, diclofenac, or diclofenac and paracetamol, on postoperative pain following surgical suction termination of pregnancy

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine whether a combination of paracetamol and diclofenac provided a more effective analgesic premedication than paracetamol, or diclofenac alone for the treatment of postoperative pain following surgical suction termination of early pregnancy.

Methods:

A double blind, prospective trial, involving 60 patients randomized to receive either paracetamol (1 g) and placebo, diclofenac (50 mg) and placebo, or diclofenac (50 mg) and paracetamol (1 g) orally, prior to surgical termination of pregnancy. Intraoperative management was standardized. Peak pain was the primary end point. Pain scores were recorded immediately postoperatively, and at 2 and 4 h. Secondary end points were nausea, sedation, intraoperative blood loss, supplementary postoperative analgesic use, and delayed hospital discharge.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in peak pain between the three groups (P = 0.6).

Discussion:

The co-administration of prophylactic oral analgesic premedication with diclofenac and paracetamol did not result in a reduction in pain scores when compared to either diclofenac or paracetamol administered alone.