Efficacy of Piroxicam as a Perioperative Analgesic for Patients Undergoing Fixation of Maxillofacial Fractures

Patients were divided into two groups at random using a computer-generated list: the GA group received no piroxicam and the piroxicam group got a 0.4 mg/kg IM piroxicam induction. Both groups got IV paracetamol (24 mg/kg slowly administered over 20 minutes).

Fentanyl 2 micrograms/kg was administered after general anesthesia was induced and venous access was established. A suitable size endotracheal tube was then placed intranasal, and intubation was aided by Atracurium (0.5 mg/kg). Throughout the operation, 1 MAC isoflurane in a mixture of 50% air and oxygen was used to maintain anesthesia in all patients who were mechanically ventilated in pressure-controlled mode with targeted EtCO2 (30-35 mmHg). An oral pack was also introduced.

After the operation general anesthesia was stopped and the endotracheal tube was removed, Neostigmine 50 mg/kg and atropine sulfate 15 mg/kg were used to reverse muscle relaxation. Patient transportation was made to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Postoperative analgesia was evaluated by a blind investigator using 10 cm- visual analogue scale score which had been explained to the patient on the preoperative visit where: 0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain) in the PACU then at 3, 6, 12, 24 hours, if the pain score >3, pethidine 25 mg intravenously and Ondansetron 0.1mg/kg was used for cases with nausea or vomiting.