Pre-medication with controlled-release oxycodone in the management of postoperative pain after ambulatory laparoscopic gynaecological surgery

Abstract Introduction Oxycodone controlled-release is a potent opioid analgesic. We aim to assess the efficacy of pre-medication of oral oxycodone controlled-release in the reduction of postoperative pain in ambulatory laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. Materials and Methods A randomised, double blind, placebocontrolled trial was performed. This was conducted in 60 patients undergoing ambulatory laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. They were randomised into two groups to receive either oral oxycodone controlled-release 10 mg (Group C, n = 30) or placebo (Group P, n = 30 ) 1 h preoperatively. Postoperative pain score and side effects of oxycodone controlled-release were assessed in the recovery room. Rescue analgesia of intravenous fentanyl (25 μg every 15 min) was given in the recovery room until the numerical rating pain score was ≤5. These patients were followed up 24 h postoperatively via telephone questionnaire. Results We found no difference in pain scores at rest or on exertion at 15 min, 1 h, 2 h or 24 h after the surgery between the two groups of patients. In addition, fentanyl usage, discharge time and satisfaction score were not significantly different. The side effect profiles were similar between the two groups except an increased incidence of headache at 24 h after surgery in the oxycodone controlledrelease group (p < 0.05). Conclusion There was no difference in postoperative pain scores in patients who were pre-medicated with oral oxycodone controlled-release as compared with placebo.