Diclofenac analgesia following cleft palate surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study looked at the postoperative hemorrhage risk associated with the use of diclofenac following cleft palate repair.

PATIENTS: Twenty consecutive children (6 months to 9 years of age) requiring repair of the hard or soft palate were included.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

Single per rectum doses of diclofenac were given at 1 mg/kg following cleft palate repair, with additional doses every 12 hours.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, for postoperative analgesia is well established for many types of surgery. The authors find that twice daily diclofenac rectal suppositories provide very good analgesia postcleft palate repair. This, combined with supplemental oral paracetamol, obviates the need for opiates, resulting in alert infants who feed well and are suitable for early discharge.