Abstract

Aims: To compare the duration of analgesia and side effects of tramadol via two different routes i.e intravenous and rectal administration.
Settings and Design: The study design was Prospective, randomized, single blind and hospital based.
Methods and Material: Sixty adult patients of ASA grade I and II posted for inguinal hernia surgery were randomized to receive either rectal suppository of tramadol 100mg (n=30) Group R or I.V. tramadol 50 mg (n=30) Group I. Pain measurement was performed using visual analogue scale (VAS). Rescue analgesia was given when the VAS was >3 in the postoperative period up to 24 hrs. Side effects like nausea, vomiting, were recorded during the same period.
Statistical analysis used: All data was analysed using the Chi square test and Z-test.
Results: Duration of analgesia was prolonged and requirement of rescue analgesic was less with the suppository group. Nausea and vomiting were also lower with the suppository group.
Conclusions: Rectal suppository of tramadol as well as intravenous tramadol are effective for postoperative analgesia after inguinal herniorraphy, but rectal tramadol is better alternative than I.V. tramadol as it has longer duration of pain relief and lesser incidence of nausea and vomiting.