The Analgesic Effect of Diclofenac Sodium Suppository Following Hip Joint Surgery

Objective:To evaluate the analgesic effect of rectally administered diclofenac sodium suppository after hip joint surgery. Methods:120 patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. Patients of group A and group B (the treatment groups) were given each 50 and 100 mg, respectively, of diclofenac sodium suppositories administered rectally at the time just after surgery, and 12 as well as 24 hours postoperatively. Patcents of group C (the control group) received routine intramuscular injections of pethidine for analgesia. Results:The VAS scores of the patients in the two treatment groups 6, 12, 24 and 36 h postoperatively were smaller than in the control group (P0.01). The analgesic efficiency in the two treatment groups at different postoperative time belts was markedly higher than in the control group (P0.05 or P0.01). Duration of sleep in the treatment groups within 24 hours after the surgery was apparently longer than in the control group (P0.05 or P0.01). Postoperative nausea and vomiting were not common in patients of all the three groups. Perspiration or profuse sweating were much commoner in patients of the treatment groups than in those of the control group (P0.05). Conclusion: Rectal administration of diclofenac sodium suppository is a simple and effective means for postoperative analgesia bollowing hip joint surgery.