Efficacy of Flurbiprofen for Postoperative Pain in Chinese Surgical Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background The objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the analgesic effect of flurbiprofen on postoperative pain in Chinese surgical patients. Methods The primary outcome was acute postoperative pain scores; the secondary outcomes included total opiate consumption during surgery and adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Results were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) or odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We evaluated heterogeneity by visually examining the forest plots and quantified it by using the I2 statistic. We used random-effects models to pool the data. Results Of 573 abstracts reviewed, 19 studies involving 1628 participants met the inclusion criteria. Pooled results showed that the intravenous administration of flurbiprofen had a beneficial effect in reducing pain scores at 2 (WMD, −0.78; 95% CI, −1.22 to −0.34; P = 0.001), 6 (WMD, −0.93; 95% CI, −1.40 to −0.46; P = 0.000), 12 (WMD, −1.09; 95% CI, −1.93 to −0.24; P = 0.011), 24 (WMD, −1.08; 95% CI, −1.48 to −0.68; P = 0.000), and 48 (WMD, −0.62; 95% CI, −1.19 to −0.05; P = 0.032) h after surgery. In addition, flurbiprofen administration significantly decreased the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.26-0.58; P = 0.000) but had no effects on opiate consumption and dizziness. Conclusions The perioperative administration of flurbiprofen is effective in reducing postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting in Chinese surgical patients. Future studies with adequate power should evaluate the ideal flurbiprofen regimen for postoperative pain.