Comparison between tramadol and pethidine in patient controlled intravenous analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and side effects related to Tramadol with Pethidine in patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after total abdominal hysterectomies. METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomized to receive either Tramadol or Pethidine by PCIA (30 in each group) after total abdominal hysterectomy. Pain assessments were recorded one hour after starting the PCIA and then at 6, 12, and 24 hours by using visual analogue scale (VAS). Nausea vomiting score and sedation score were also recorded. Good attempts, total attempts and total drug consumption was noted from PCIA pump at the end of the study period. RESULTS: The analgesia achieved in Tramadol group was comparable to Pethidine. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was similar in both groups. Tramadol causes significantly less sedation than Pethidine (p < 0.05). Mean drug consumption, total attempts and good attempts were also significantly less in Tramadol group than Pethidine group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tramadol produces equivalent analgesia and less sedation and can be used as an alternative to Pethidine in Patient Controlled Intravenous Analgesiafor postoperative pain relief after Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH).