Tramadol or fentanyl analgesia for ambulatory knee arthroscopy

Abstract

In a double-blind, randomized, controlled study, 61 patients who received a standardized anaesthetic for day case arthroscopic knee surgery were studied. Group T (n=31) received tramadol 1.5 mg kgg kg5.5) vs. 2.4 (1–4), P=0.039, respectively; median (interquartile range)]. There were no other significant differences between the groups in terms of pain scores, supplemental analgesic requirements or incidence of side-effects. We conclude that tramadol offers little benefit clinically compared with fentanyl when used at induction of anaesthesia for day case arthroscopic knee surgery. Further studies are indicated in patients with more severe pain to determine the role of tramadol in post-operative analgesia.