Analgesic efficacy of wound infiltration with tramadol after cesarean delivery under general anesthesia: Randomized trial

Abstract

Abstract Aim To examine whether tramadol wound infiltration decreased postoperative pain following cesarean section (CS) under general anesthesia or reduced the need for analgesics in the immediate postoperative period. Methods In this double‐blind, randomized trial, 60 women who underwent elective CS under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to one of two groups: placebo group (group P; n = 30) or tramadol group (group T; n = 30). Group P received 20 mL local wound infiltration with 0.9% saline solution, and group T received 20 mL local wound infiltration with tramadol 2 mg/mL within a 0.9% saline solution. The primary outcome, cumulative morphine consumption, and secondary outcomes including diclofenac requirement and postoperative pain were recorded. Results Numerical rating scale score was lower in group T than in group P at 15 min postoperatively ( P < 0.001). Patients in group T required significantly less morphine at all time intervals than those in group P ( P < 0.001). There was no difference between groups in need for rescue analgesic dose ( P ˃ 0.05). Conclusion Wound infiltration with tramadol may be a useful technique in patients undergoing CS under general anesthesia to reduce postoperative pain and improve recovery.