[The effects of intravenous paracetamol on postoperative analgesia and tramadol consumption in cesarean operations]

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, the effects and side effects of intravenous paracetamol application, combined with patient-controlled intravenous tramadol analgesia, were investigated in elective cesarean operations for postoperative pain control and its tramadol-sparing effect.

Methods: Fifty ASA I-II patients scheduled for cesarean operation were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group I served as a control group, with saline administration (100 ml) 15 min before the end surgery and every 6 h for 24 h, whereas group II received paracetamol (1 g/100 ml) at the stated time points. All patients received a standard anesthetic protocol. At the end of surgery, all patients received tramadol i.v. via a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) device. Pain and sedation scores were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively.

Results: Tramadol consumption and adverse effects were noted in the first 24 hours following surgery. The pain scores were significantly lower in the paracetamol group when compared with the control group (p<0.05). The cumulative tramadol consumption was lower in the paracetamol group than the control group (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in sedation scores and nausea-vomiting scores between the groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: We conclude that paracetamol is a safe and effective treatment option in post-cesarean pain for combination with tramadol, as it produces effective analgesia and reduces tramadol consumption.