Comparison of efficacy and effectiveness between ULTRACET and tramadol/acetaminophen in acute postoperative pain after upper extremity surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and effectiveness between ULTRACE, a new analgesic combination of tramadol/ acetaminophen, and tramadol/acetaminophen for acute postoperative pain after upper extremity surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

A double blind randomized controlled trial.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

One hundred and eighty patients who underwent upper extremity surgery under brachial plexus block were randomized to receive either ULTRACE (n = 87) or tramadol and acetaminophen (n = 93) immediately after surgery in the postanesthetic care unit (PACU). Total morphine requirement, pain score (VRS) and drug adverse effects were compared between those two groups using independent single t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test and Fisher-exact test respectively.

RESULTS

Total morphine requirement was significantly lower in subjects who used ULTRACE when compared with the tramadol and acetaminophen group (0.51 and 0.69 mg in the first 6 hours after the operation, 0.0 and 0.13 mg in hours 6-12 after the operation). Moreover there were fewer side effects in this ULTRACE group too.

CONCLUSION

ULTRACET has more efficacy and fewer side effects when compared with tramadol and acetaminophen in acute postoperative pain surgery.