Diclofenac (Voltaren). Pain-relieving effect after tonsillectomy.

The efficacy of diclofenac suppositories was estimated in a two-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comprising 97 patients (47 in the diclofenac group and 50 in the placebo group). The series from the two centres and patients in the two treatment groups were comparable. Immediately postoperatively, the patients received 100 mg diclofenac, followed by 50 mg in the evening and 50 mg in the morning after the operation, or placebo suppositories. The efficacy was assessed both by the patients and by the staff by marking on a visual analogue scale. Statistical analyses showed that diclofenac has a significant (p less than 0.001) effect on the pain associated with swallowing and on the general condition of the patients. The therapeutic gain was calculated to 50%. As a consequence of this study, treatment with diclofenac has been introduced in both ENT departments.