Pre-medication with controlled-release oxycodone in the management of postoperative pain after ambulatory laparoscopic gynaecological surgery

Abstract

IntroductionOxycodone controlled-release is a potent opioid analgesic. We aim to assess the efficacy of pre-medication of oral oxycodone controlled-release in the reduction of postoperative pain in ambulatory laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. Materials and MethodsA randomised, double blind, placebocontrolled trial was performed. This was conducted in 60 patients undergoing ambulatory laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. They were randomised into two groups to receive either oral oxycodone controlled-release 10 mg (Group C, n = 30) or placebo (Group P, n = 30 ) 1 h preoperatively. Postoperative pain score and side effects of oxycodone controlled-release were assessed in the recovery room. Rescue analgesia of intravenous fentanyl (25 μg every 15 min) was given in the recovery room until the numerical rating pain score was ≤5. These patients were followed up 24 h postoperatively via telephone questionnaire. ResultsWe found no difference in pain scores at rest or on exertion at 15 min, 1 h, 2 h or 24 h after the surgery between the two groups of patients. In