Aim: To compare the frequency of absence of pain with injection paracetamol versus placebo given before injection rocuronium in patients undergoing elective procedures

Study design: Randomized Controlled Trial

Place and duration of study: Dept of Anaesthesia, Civil Hospital, Karachi from 15th January to 14th July 2017.

Methodology: One hundred and two patients aged 25-75 years of either gender undergoing elective surgery were enrolled. The lottery method was used to divide the patients into two equal groups. Paracetamol (5 mL, 10 mg/mL) or normal saline (5 mL) were used as pretreatment solutions. When the tourniquet was removed after 2 minutes, the rocuronium at 1% concentration was injected throughout the 10 second’s period. Patients were then advised and asked to rate their pain on the hand's dorsum using VAS.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 44.11±7.75 years. Mean pain score was 1.49±1.38. Significant difference was observed in the mean pain score in between paracetamol and placebo group (p-value <0.001). Overall absence of pain was found in 49 (40.8%). Absence of pain was found to be higher 34 (69.4%) in paracetamol group as compared to placebo group (p-value <0.001).

Conclusion: Frequency of absence of pain found lower in patients undergoing elective procedures with injection paracetamol versus placebo given before injection rocuronium.

Keywords: Injection rocuronium, Elective procedures, Injection paracetamol, Absence of pain