Rectal diclofenac versus Intramuscular pentazocine for pain relief after caesarean section: Maternal satisfaction.

Abstract

 Background: Caesarean section is one of the most common operative procedures in contemporary Obstetrics practice. Effective post-operative pain management significantly affects maternal acceptability of the procedure and reduces surgical morbidity.

Aim: The study is to compare maternal satisfaction on the use of rectal diclofenac suppository with intramuscular pentazocine for pain management following caesarean section at Federal Medical Centre Keffi.

Materials and Method

This is an open label single blind randomized controlled trial of diclofenac suppository versus intramuscular pentazocine involving 240 consenting eligible patients scheduled for caesarean delivery at FMC Keffi.  Participants were randomized in ratio 1:1, using computer software randomizer. Group ‘A’ received rectal diclofenac 100 mg 12hrly for 48hrs post-op while group ‘B’ received intramuscular pentazocine 60 mg 6hrly for 48hrs post-op.

Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog scale (VAS) and Likert's scale was used to assess maternal satisfaction at 24 hours post caesarean section.

Results

The intensity of pain was similar among the two arms with most participants having moderate pain. There was no statistically significance difference among the two groups (P = 0.745).  Mothers in the rectal suppository group expresses more satisfaction compared to those that received intramuscular pentazocine and this was statistically significant P = 0.017. (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Diclofenac suppository show better patient’s satisfaction when used for post caesarean section pain relief compared to intramuscular pentazocine though both are comparable in pain relief.

Key words:  Analgesia; Caesarean section; intramuscular pentazocine; maternal satisfaction; rectal diclofenac