Effectiveness of Intravenous Acetaminophen in Reducing Postoperative Pain and Opioid Consumption After Abdominal Surgery: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Keywords:
Intravenous acetaminophen, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, abdominal surgery, multimodal analgesia, opioid-sparing, pain management, analgesic efficacy, recovery, anesthesiology.Abstract
Abstract: Postoperative pain management remains a critical aspect of recovery, with opioid use often leading to side effects and prolonged recovery times. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. We assessed pain scores, opioid requirements, and the incidence of side effects such as nausea and sedation in patients receiving either IV acetaminophen or a placebo. The results indicate that patients receiving IV acetaminophen experienced significantly lower pain scores in the first 24 hours post-surgery, along with a reduced need for opioids compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the acetaminophen group demonstrated fewer opioid-related side effects, including nausea and drowsiness. These findings suggest that IV acetaminophen can be an effective component of a multimodal analgesia regimen, reducing the reliance on opioids and enhancing postoperative recovery.
