A double-blind study comparing the effectiveness of a continuous infusion i.v. of lysine acetyl salicylate (LAS) with an infusion of morphine for the treatment of pain following pulmonary surgery is described. Mean pain scores in the two groups were not significantly different at any stage during the 24-h period of study. LAS was not associated with any significantly greater blood loss in the period after operation. The incidence of drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, and the need for antiemetic medication were similar in both groups.

The effect of a constant i.v. infusion of lysine acetyl salicylate (LAS) on pain after operation was compared with that of a constant infusion of morphine in 30 patients undergoing unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy. LAS provided analgesia equivalent to that provided by morphine and was associated with significantly less drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. No patient in either group was noted to suffer from respiratory depression. No untoward side effects were noted during or following the administration of LAS.

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