Post laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain management can reduce recovery and discharge time. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids are used for this purpose.

This randomized clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of diclofenac rectal suppository for the management of postoperative pain.

Forty four patients were randomized to receive either 100 mg diclofenac rectal suppository or placebo at the time of recovery and three hours later after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Postoperative visual analogue pain scale (VAS, ranges 0 to 10 cm) and adverse reactions were recorded over a 24-hour period. If VAS score was ≥ 7, 25mg, pethedin was given intravenously as a rescue analgesic.

In both groups, VAS score was reduced in 24 hours. It was statistically lower in diclofenac group rather than placebo group in all intervals except at the time of recovery. Moreover, the mean pethedin consumption dose and the incidence of administration of postoperative rescue analgesic were statistically lower in diclofenac group. Postoperative bleeding was not statistically different between two groups.

Diclofenac rectal suppository provided simple and safe pain relief in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.