Abstract

Background and Aim: Anal surgery is relatively common, and rarely is performed as an outpatient opration procedure due to concerns about postoperative pain. The present study aimed to compare the effects of rectal acetaminophen and diclofenac suppositories on pain control after anal surgery (hemorrhoidectomy) in adult patients. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted in Zahedan in 2013 and included 70 patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy. The patients were divided into two groups, one group received rectal acetaminophen and the other one used diclofenac suppositories. Pain intensity was measured by visual analogve score system at different time intervals (0, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours). Data were analyzed by relevant statistical test. Results: Pain intensity at different times in the study was significantly lower in the diclofenac suppository group compared to that in the acetaminophen suppository group. The mean time intervals needed for drug administration in the diclofenac group was 183.14 ± 26.98 minutes and 166.85 ± 27.30 minutes in the acetaminophen group; therefore, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Diclofenac suppository showed a better analgesic effect than acetaminophen suppository in post-hemorrhoidectomy pain management. Use of diclofenac suppositories can have more satisfactory results in reducing postoperative pain. © 2018 the Author (s).