After the 30 min stay at PACU, the patients were transferred to the ward, and both numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score at rest (NRS-R) and on coughing (NRS-C) using an NRS (0-10), were recorded at 1h, 2h, 6h, 12h and 24h postoperatively. The data of cumulative PCA dose and the number of bolus doses, as displayed on the PCA device, were recorded and transferred to a computer for interpretation. No additional analgesics, antipyretics, or anti-inflammatory drug were allowed during the study.