Background Curcuminoids, which are substances extracted from turmeric, have been proved to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects along with a good safety profile. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of curcuminoids for reducing postoperative pain in patients who undergo laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Methods From November 2016 to December 2017, participants were randomly assigned, by blocks of four, to the intervention and control arms of the study. Altogether, 60 patients who were to undergo laparoscopic gynecologic surgery at our institution were enrolled. Intraoperative findings were not significantly different between the two groups. One tablet of curcuminoid extract 250 mg was given to patients in the intervention group four times a day on postoperative days 1-3. Pain was evaluated at 24 and 72 h postoperatively using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Results The median VAS score 24 h after surgery was 3 (1-6) in the intervention group and 4.5 (3-7) in the control group, with the difference reaching statistical significance (p=0.001). The median VAS at 72 h after surgery was 1 (0-2) in the intervention group and 2 (1-5) in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion Curcuminoids may be an effective supplement to reduce pain severity postoperatively following laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Trial Registration TCTR20180215001 www.clinicaltrials.in.th.
Keywords: curcumin; curcuminoids; laparoscopic pain; postoperative pain; turmeric.