Acetaminophen Use for Preemptive Analgesia

摘要

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was used to determine if preemptive acetaminophen can (1) significantly diminish the postoperative perception of pain in patients having reduction mammoplasty, (2) significantly reduce postoperative need for narcotic analgesia in these patients, and (3) identify correlations between previous pain experiences and self-reported postoperative pain. A convenience sample of 119 women attending the plastic surgery clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center was used. Women receiving acetaminophen had significantly less pain and required significantly less narcotic in the first 4 postoperative hours. No differences were found for opioid side effects, ability to perform daily activities, overall satisfaction with pain management, or length of stay. Numerous moderate associations were identified between history of painful episodes and self-perceived pain. Using acetaminophen for preemptive analgesia has important implications for clinical practice as well as military health care. Improvements in patient care would be dramatic.