Intraoperative diclofenac for post-adenoidectomy analgesia in small children.

We investigated the analgesic effect of intra-operative intravenous diclofenac in a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled paralled group study after adenoidectomy in 150 children aged 1-7 years. A standard anaesthetic method was used and all children received oral diazepam as premedication. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone and maintained with halothane and nitrous oxide in oxygen with controlled ventilation. Children in the diclofenac group received 1 mg/kg i.v. after induction of anaesthesia followed by an infusion of diclofenac 1 mg/kg over 2 hours. Children in the placebo group received 0.9% saline. At the end of procedure the children were transferred to the recovery room for continuous monitoring of vital signs and assessment of pain. Standard deviation, means, ranges and students' t-test statistics were used for data analysis. Worst pain observed in the recovery room was lower in the diclofenac group both at rest and during swallowing. It was therefore concluded that intravenous diclofenac given intra-operatively has analgesic effect in the immediate post-operative period and it is recommended for small children during adenoidectomy.