BACKGROUND Propofol is a commonly used anaesthetic agent for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. Its intravenous administration is associated with pain, which is reduced by different pharmacological methods. Our study evaluated comparative effectiveness of ondansetron and tramadol in reducing this pain.
MATERIALS AND METHODSAfter approval by the Institutional Ethical Committee and an informed written consent, 120 American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) Grade I and II patients of either sex, aged 18 -60 years, undergoing various surgeries using general anaesthesia were selected. Patients with known hypersensitivity to propofol, ondansetron and tramadol, cardiac conduction defects and epilepsy were excluded. In our study, patients were randomly assigned to three groups of 40 patients each (Group 1, n= 40): Patients received upto 2 mL pre-treatment 50 mg tramadol in the saline, (Group 2, n= 40): 4 mg ondansetron in the saline (2 mL), (Group 3, n= 40): normal saline 2 mL. Drugs were given intravenously for a period of 10 seconds, while the venous drainage was occluded by placing an air-filled tourniquet (pressure inflated to 70 mmHg) on the upper arm by an assistant for one minute. Then patient was given intravenous propofol (1%) 2 mg/kg over a period of 10 seconds. The patient was asked a standard question "Is the injection comfortable?" The verbal response and behavioural signs such as facial grimacing, arms withdrawal or tears were recorded. A score of 0 to 3 corresponding to 0= No pain, 1= Mild pain, 2= Moderate pain and 3= Severe pain will be noted.
RESULTSThe overall incidence of pain was 85% in the saline group, which was decreased to 12.5% and 20% after tramadol and ondansetron pre-treatment respectively. Pain severity was significantly less in patients receiving drugs for pre-treatment than those receiving saline (p < 0.0001). No significant association was found between gender and incidence and severity of pain (p= 0.70). The incidence and severity of pain in patients above 50 years old was significantly less than patients below 50 years old (0.0001).
CONCLUSIONTramadol and ondansetron pre-treatment provides a simple and safe method of reducing propofol injection pain. Both are equally effective, but ondansetron has an advantage in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. KEYWORDS Propofol, Ondansetron, Tourniquet. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Manzoor S, Malla MS, Sofi AA, et al. A study of comparison between tramadol and ondansetron to alleviate pain during propofol administration. J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci. 2018;7(02):242-245, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2018/54 BACKGROUND Propofol is a popular anaesthetic intravenous agent, especially for brief cases, day surgery or when laryngeal mask airway is to be used. Propofol can also be used in total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) technique for the maintenance of anaesthesia and sedation. It has also been used for the prevention of emesis. (1) Tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blocking agents (2) and the treatment of pruritus. (3,4) Propof...