Evaluation the Efficacy of Intravenous Ibuprofen and Its Complications in Acute Pain Management after Abdominal Surgery

Using medications that decrease postoperative pain and opioid consumption is a widely recommended approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous Ibuprofen and its complication in controlling pain after abdominal surgery.

This study was a randomized, double-blind, interventional clinical trial. Sixty patients aged 20 to 60 years were candidates for abdominal surgery (inguinal hernioplasty and appendectomy). Patients were divided into two equal size groups (n=30) using a random block design method. The First group received (400 mg IV) ibuprofen every 6 hours for 24 hours as well as (15 microgram/ml bolus) fentanyl pump with PCA. Second group only received (15 microgram/ml blous) fentanyl pump with PCA. 

Demographic characteristics and duration of surgery, ASA class, type of anesthesia and type of surgery were similar in the two groups. Pain severity in 24 postoperative hours was significantly lower in the ibuprofen group compared with the control group. Nausea and vomiting frequency in 24 postoperative hours was significantly lower in the ibuprofen group compared with the control group. Patients belonging to ibuprofen group were significantly more satisfied with their analgesic method.

Results showed that using 400 mg intravenous ibuprofen every 6 hours mitigates postoperative pain, reduces fentanyl consumption and is highly tolerated by patients.