A Single Blind Controlled Comparison of Tramadol/Paracetamol Combination and Paracetamol in Hand and Foot Surgery. A Prospective Study

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and effectiveness between an analgesic combination of tramadol/paracetamol (37.5+325 mg), and paracetamol monotherapy (1000 mg) for acute postoperative pain after hand and foot surgery. The study design was a single blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 114 patients who underwent hand and foot surgery under brachial plexus block were randomized to receive either paracetamol monotherapy (group P, n=57) or tramadol/paracetamol (group TP, n=57) postoperatively. The number of patients who required an extra-dose of analgesic pain score, and adverse affects were compared between the two groups. Analgesic requirement was significantly lower in those in the TP group when compared with the P group. In the TP group, the pain score after surgery was significantly lower than in the P group. Adverse effects did not significantly differ between the two groups. There were no serious adverse events in either group. The association of tramadol and paracetamol appears to have more efficacy when compared with paracetamol monotherapy for acute postoperative pain after hand and foot surgery.