Comparative Evaluation of Transdermal Diclofenac Patch Versus Oral Diclofenac Sodium for Postoperative Pain Management Following Normal Extraction: A Clinical Prospective Original Study

Effective postoperative pain control is very important in any kind of surgery. Diclofenac sodium, a common non steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is easily available in various formulations, including oral and transdermal. This study compares the tolerability, efficacy in a peptic ulcer, gastro esophageal reflux diseases (GERD) and upper gastrointestinal diseases patients and adverse effects of transdermal versus oral diclofenac sodium in managing postoperative pain after normal extractions. Methods: A clinical study was conducted on 200 patients undergoing teeth extractions, divided into two groups (n=100 each). Group A received 200 mg transdermal diclofenac patches (once daily for 3 days), and Group B received 100 mg oral diclofenac tablets (twice daily for 3 days). Pain relief was evaluated using a 4-point pain relief score scale on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Tolerability, adverse effects, and patient comfort were also assessed. Results: Group A showed significantly higher mean pain relief scores on all three days compared to Group B (p<0.05). Group A had fewer adverse effects, with 90% reporting no complications, compared to 50% in Group B (p=0.0002). Tolerability and patient comfort were significantly better in Group A (p=0.0190 and p=0.0030, respectively). Conclusion: Transdermal diclofenac patches create effective and well-tolerated postoperative pain relief with fewer side effects and better patient compliance than oral diclofenac. They present a viable alternative for postoperative analgesia in regularly practiced oral surgery.