Publication:

A comparative study of the effect of piroxicam versus diclofenac on wound healing in clean abdominal wounds

Background The primary function of the skin is to serve as a protective barrier against the environment. The process of wound healing constitutes an array of interrelated and concomitant events. Understanding these processes and various factors affecting these processes continue to expand. The present study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the effect of piroxicam versus diclofenac on wound healing in clean abdominal wounds.

Methods The present one year randomized controlled trial was conducted on all the patients undergoing appendicectomies for uncomplicated appendicitis and uncomplicated inguinal hernia repairs in the Department of Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum during the period of one year. Based on the thumb rule a total of 60 patients divided into two groups of 30 each were studied. Based on the computer-generated randomization patients were allocated to two groups that is group A (Inj. Piroxicam) and Group B (Inj. Diclofenac).

Results In the present study, males outnumbered females with male to female ratio between of 1.72 to 2:1. The mean age in group A was30.9±7.86 years and in group B it was 30.3±7.97 years. Both the groups that is Group A and B were graded under grade I (Good wound healing) from the POD 3 onwards. Overall the individual score and total scores had no influence of the final grading (outcome) of the wound.

Conclusions Overall, better results were seen on wound healing in patients who received Inj piroxicam with significantly less post-operative redness and edema. However, this did not have significant difference in the final outcome of the grading of the wound.