Effectiveness of Lettuce Syrup in Relieving Pain After Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Clinical Trial

Objective Pain is one of the most common problems after surgery. Various strategies have been used to alleviate it. To achieve the optimal pain management, various analgesics and narcotics are used, despite of having side effects. Numerous sources of Iranian Traditional Medicine have indicated the analgesic effects of lettuce. This study aims to evaluate the effects of lettuce syrup as an adjunctive therapy on pain relief after inguinal hernia surgery. Methods This is a triple-blind clinical trial. Seventy patients candidates for inguinal hernia surgery referred to Valiasr Hospital in Arak, Iran were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and placebo. From 3 days before surgery to after surgery, lettuce and placebo syrup were prescribed separately as well as morphine, if needed. Pain was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS) during recovery and 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after surgery. The data were analyzed by independent t-test, chi-square test, and repeated measure ANOVA. Results The acute pain level during recovery after surgery significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group. The mean VAS score 24 hours after surgery was 0.68±1.94 in the intervention group and 2.75±8.13 in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The use of lettuce syrup as an adjunctive treatment is effective in reducing pain after inguinal hernia surgery.