Objective  To investigate the safety and effect of butorphanol combined with ketorolac tromethamine for postoperative analgesia of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA) after radical mastectomy.

  Methods  A total of 60 patients underwent elective radical mastectomy with general anesthesia were randomly assigned into 2 groups, with 30 cases in each group. PCIA was used in both groups and group A was given butorphanol 10 mg, and group B was given butorphanol 10 mg as well as ketorolac tromethamine 60 mg. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Ramsay sedative score were recorded at 2, 24 and 48 h after operation, pressing times of analgesic pump within 48 hours, incidence rate of adverse reactions and the overall satisfaction for postoperative analgesia were observed and recorded.

  Results  Compared with group A, the VAS scores at postoperative 24 and 48 hours in group B were decreased, and the pressing times of analgesic pump were significantly lower(P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in Ramsay sedation score at each time points and the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05). Compared with group A, the overall patients′ satisfaction for postoperative analgesia was higher in group B(P>0.05).

  Conclusion  Butorphanol combined with ketorolac tromethamine has better analgesic effect in patients with PCIA after radical mastectomy, with less incidence of adverse reactions, and higher postoperative satisfaction for analgesia.