Preoperative diclofenac suppository reduces post-herniorrhaphy hospitalization

This study compared the analgesic efficacy of the diclofenac as a 100mg suppository and 75mg intramuscular injection given at induction of anaesthesia. Forty-four ASA I and II patients scheduled for herniorrhaphy at the Same Day Surgery Department of the Adult Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, were randomly assigned to receive diclofenac either as 100mg suppository or 75mg in injection after written informed consent. Visual analogue scale (VAS) assessments between the two groups were measured on admission to the recovery room (Level I), the postoperative recovery ward (Level II) or on discharge Student's test X2 test and ANOVA were used, where appropriate, to analyse the data for differences between treatment groups. There was no difference between the 2 groups with respect to age, weight or duration of surgery. Diclofenac given as a suppository or an intramuscular injection significantly reduced pain intensity. Time to analgesic requests and number of patients requesting further analgesia did not differ between groups. However, patients who received the suppository were discharged earlier (43 versus 61 minutes, p<0.05).(AU)

Comparison of three bowel preparation for sigmoidoscopy

The efficacy of three lower bowel preparations in 96 patients undergoing rigid sigmiodoscopy was studied. The maximal length of insertion and clarity of view were assessed in each group and compared to patients without bowel preparation. Blood per rectum and diarrhoea were the main indications for sigmoidoscopy. The maximal insertion of the instrument was similar for all groups and the rectosigmoid junction was examined in the majority. The clarity of view was good in 71 percent of patients receiving Fleet enema, 68 percent of those receiving Dulcolax micro-enema, 36 percent in the Dulcolax suppository and 16 percent in the group without bowel preparation. There were no adverse effects or complications arising from bowel preparation or sigmoidoscopy. Bowel preparation significantly improves the number of satisfactory sigmoidoscopic examinations, and the use of simple disposable enemas is safe and effective. (AU)