Anaesthetic management was standardized. Oral lorazepam 2 mg was given the night before surgery. Subjects were allocated randomly into three groups (n = 32 for each) by drawing sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes containing a software-generated randomization code (Random Allocation Software, version 1.0.0, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran)into the placebo, scheduled, and continuous infusion groups. The syringes containing placebo and lornoxicam solutions were masked by identical opaque identical cover sheets. The test solution was prepared by one anaesthesiologist before induction of anaesthesia. Another anaesthesiologist, who was blinded to the study solution, gave the anaesthetic and was instructed to avoid using local anaesthetics, and a third anaesthesiologist collected perioperative data. All staff in the operating room were unaware of patient allocation group.