Effect of premedication on postoperative pain

ABSTRACT

Post Operative pattern of pain was studied in three groups i.e. A, B and C, of patients after giving different pre operative medications. In group A, which included 125 patients, 15 mg Medazolam [2 tabs. Dormicum 7.5 mg] was given with a sip of water one hour preoperatively. In group B, which included 123 patients, 10 mg Diazepam [2 tabs. Valium 5 mg] was given. In group C, which inlcuded 129 patients, placebo was given. All the patients were given standard general anaesthesia. Postoperatively they were nursed in the same unit and the time of requirement of first dose of analgesia was recorded. The intensity of pain and its relief was also recorded after giving analgesia. Out of the total of 377 patients 53 [18 in Group A. 16 in Group B and 19 in Group C] did not demand any analgesia postoperatively. It was observed that in group A, the patients demanded analgesia after a longer time as compared to those in groups B and C. Seventeen patients [8 in Group A. 4 in group B and 5 in Group C] asked for analgesia after 24 hours. Medazolam seems to keep the patient pain free longer as compared to diazepam. So it is recommended for pre-medication in preference to diazepam