Effect of Preprocedural Intravenous Ibuprofen on Post-Repair Pain after Traumatic Wound Management: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Wound repair cause extra pain and inflammation and can lead to post-repair discomfort in patients. Previous studies have indicated that pre-operative use of NSAIDs may reduce post-surgery pain; however, there is a dearth of data on traumatic wound repair.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of intravenous Ibuprofen on patient satisfaction and pain relief following wound repair.

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 194 participants in this double-blind randomized controlled trial were randomly assigned toeither intervention or control group. Ibuprofen 800 mg was infused in 100 cc normal saline before wound repair in the intervention group, while the control group received 100 cc normal saline. Numeric pain scores were recorded at the beginningof wound repair and 30 min after that. Patients’ satisfaction with analgesia was also recorded 15 min after the drug infusion, during wound repair, and 6 h after the wound repair.

Mean pain scores were similar in both groups during the wound repair, and before the application of local anesthesia (i.e. lidocaine). However,the mean pain score was significantly lower in patients who received Ibuprofen (3.86±1.93), compared to the control group (4.46±1.89), 30 min after the wound repair (P=0.043). Patients’ satisfaction with pain management 6 h after the wound repair was higher in the intervention (P=0.000), compared to the control group.

Based on the obtained results, the application of IV Ibuprofen before the wound repair can reduce pain score afterthe wound repair and lead to improved patients' satisfaction.