Comparative Evaluation of Intravenous Paracetamol and Intravenous Diclofenac for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Effective postoperative pain control is essential for early recovery following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Non-opioid analgesics such as intravenous (IV) paracetamol and IV diclofenac are widely used; however, comparative evidence regarding their efficacy remains limited.
Aims: To compare analgesic efficacy, hemodynamic stability, and adverse effects of IV paracetamol and IV diclofenac.
Methods: Seventy-six ASA I–II patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received IV paracetamol (1 g), and Group B received IV diclofenac (75 mg) 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Pain was assessed using VAS at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours.
Results: Both drugs provided effective analgesia. However, paracetamol showed significantly lower VAS scores at 6 and 12 hours (p<0.05), longer duration of analgesia, and fewer side effects.

Conclusion: IV paracetamol is superior to IV diclofenac in postoperative analgesia with a better safety profile.