Intravenous Paracetamol vs Intravenous Tramadol for Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Pain: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Background: Post-operative pain management is crucial for patient comfort and recovery following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) paracetamol and IV tramadol for post-operative pain relief in patients undergoing this procedure.Methods: The present study was conducted in the Government General Hospital, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, in collaboration with the General Surgery and Anesthesia department.A total of 80 patients between 18-60 years of age, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were randomly allocated to two groups of 40 each.Group A received 1g of paracetamol intravenously in 100 ml solution, and Group B received 100 mg of tramadol intravenously in 100 ml normal saline, with both groups receiving infusions at 0, 8, 16, and 24 hours.Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Results: During postoperative follow-up, Pain was significantly lower in the paracetamol group compared to the tramadol group.Furthermore, the incidence of adverse effects was higher in the tramadol group.Conclusion: Administering multiple doses of IV Paracetamol was found to be effective in reducing postoperative pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to IV Tramadol.The Paracetamol group showed fewer side effects than Tramadol.