Sema Tuncer1, Naime Yalçın2, Ruhiye Reisli1, Yosunkaya Alper2

1Departments Of Algology, Selcuk University, Meram Faculty Of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
2Departments Of Anesthesiology And Reanimation, Selcuk University, Meram Faculty Of Medicine, Konya, Turkey

Keywords: Algometer, lornoxicam; morphine; preemptive; postoperative hyperalgesia; remifentanil.

Abstract

Objectives: Intraoperative remifentanil administration results in acute opioid tolerance that is manifested by increased postoperative pain, opioid requirement and specifically peri-incisional hyperalgesia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lornoxicam in preventing remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia.
Methods: Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Fifteen minutes before surgery, saline solution was given to the patients in group I and 16 mg i.v. lornoxicam in group II. Anesthesia was induced with 1 µg/kg remifentanil combined with 1.5-2 mg/kg propofol and maintained with 0.5 MAC desflurane and 0.4 µg/kg/dk remifentanil in both groups. Desflurane concentration was titrated according to autonomic responses. All patients were given i.v. 0.15 mg/kg morphine 30 min before the end of surgery. At the end of surgery, patients received morphine i.v. via a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) device. Pain score, morphine demand and delivery were assessed at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery. Total morphine consumption was recorded for 24-48 h. Peri-incisional hyperalgesia was assessed by measuring pain threshold to pressure using an algometer before operation and at 24-48 h postoperatively.
Results: The pain scores and cumulative morphine consumption were significantly lower in the lornoxicam group when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Pain thresholds were significantly less at 24-48 h postoperatively in the control group than in the lornoxicam group. No significant difference was observed in side effects (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Lornoxicam administered preemptively prevented remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia.