To evaluate the long-term safety of a novel continuous infusion of ketorolac vs placebo after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

We performed a secondary analysis of a previously reported randomized controlled trial conducted from October 7, 2008, to July 21, 2010. Patients aged 18-75 years received a continuous infusion of either ketorolac (treatment [n = 57]) or normal saline (control [n = 54]) for 24 hours immediately after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Serum creatinine levels were measured at 1- and 1.5-year follow-ups. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1- and 1.5-year follow-ups using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Glomerular filtration rates were compared between treatment and control groups using 2-sample t tests.

Data analysis for the 111 donor nephrectomy patients showed that glomerular filtration rates decreased in both groups over time, but changes were not clinically significant. No difference was found in glomerular filtration rates (in mL/min/1.73 m²) between treatment and control groups at 1-year follow-up (89.29 vs 87.94 mL/min/1.73 m²; P = .58) or at 1.5-year follow-up (88.54 vs 90.25 mL/min/1.73 m²; P = .51).

The novel provision of continuous steady-state ketorolac is safe for postoperative pain control in patients after donor nephrectomy, with no change in glomerular filtration rates between treatment and control groups acutely and at up to 1.5-year follow-up.